Real-Life Jungle Children: Stories of Kids Raised by Animals

The tales of Tarzan and Mowgli have long fascinated us—wild children growing up in nature, surviving alongside animals. But what if these stories weren’t just fiction? Over the past two centuries, there have been numerous real-life cases of children found living among animals, often in extreme isolation. While many were eventually rescued and brought back to society, their journeys—both before and after—offer an extraordinary glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit.

Here are some of the most remarkable true stories of feral children from around the world.

The Wild Boy of Aveyron

In 1800, a young boy emerged from the forests of southern France. He was scarred, mute, and completely unfamiliar with human interaction. He would later be named Victor, also known as the «Wild Boy of Aveyron.» No one knew how long he had lived alone, but he had clearly adapted to the wilderness—most notably, he seemed immune to cold, an adaptation that may have saved his life.

Despite efforts by French scientists and educators to reintegrate him into society, Victor never fully adjusted to human life. He spent the rest of his years in care and passed away around the age of 40.

The Monkey Boy of Uganda

John Ssebunya was just four years old when his parents were killed during tribal violence in Uganda. He fled into the jungle, where he lived for several years—his only companions were monkeys. When he was found at age six, he was covered in hair, severely malnourished, and suffering from parasites. He had adopted many monkey-like behaviors.

Despite his traumatic past, John made an incredible recovery. He eventually learned to speak and sing, even joining a children’s choir that toured in the UK.

Ivan Mishukov: Raised by Stray Dogs

Ivan Mishukov’s story is unique—he wasn’t raised in the wild, but in the urban streets of Russia. After running away from an abusive home at age four, Ivan survived by begging and eventually gained the trust of a pack of stray dogs. He became their leader, and they protected him in return.

After two years, he was found and placed in a children’s shelter. Unlike many feral children, Ivan was young enough to fully reintegrate. Today, he lives a normal life.

Kamala and Amala: The «Wolf Children» of India

In the 1920s, two young girls, Kamala and Amala, were discovered living in a cave in India. At first glance, a missionary believed they were animals. But upon closer inspection, he realized they were human. Both girls moved and behaved like wolves—walking on all fours and growling at people.

Despite the missionary’s best efforts, the girls struggled to adapt. Amala died just a year later, and Kamala passed away at 17. The circumstances of their discovery remain a mystery to this day.

The Leopard Boy of India

In 1912, a boy believed to have been raised by a leopard was discovered in India. Villagers claimed he had been taken by a female leopard and lived with her for about five years. When rescued, he walked on all fours, growled, and avoided human contact.

Over time, the boy slowly adapted to life among people. He eventually learned to walk upright and even speak.

Oksana Malaya: The Dog Girl of Ukraine

Oksana Malaya’s case is among the most documented. In 1991, she was found living in a kennel with dogs in rural Ukraine. Her alcoholic parents had abandoned her there when she was just three years old. She spent six years with the dogs, mimicking their behavior—barking, running on all fours, and eating raw meat.

After being rescued, Oksana underwent years of intensive therapy. She learned to speak and care for herself. As an adult, she works with animals on a farm, finding peace in the very creatures that once raised her.

Shamdeo: The Wolf Boy of India

In the 1970s, a young boy named Shamdeo was discovered living with a pack of wolves in India. He had long, tangled hair, sharp teeth, and thick calluses on his hands and knees from crawling. He ate raw meat, drank blood, and couldn’t speak—only growl.

Shamdeo was taken in by a missionary and lived out the rest of his life in care. He never learned to speak, but he could understand sign language. He died in 1985, never fully adapting to human society.

The Bird Boy of Russia

In 2008, authorities in Russia discovered a seven-year-old boy who had been living in an apartment filled with birds. His mother, who suffered from severe mental illness, had raised him in complete isolation. She never spoke to him—only chirped, treating him like one of her pets.

As a result, the boy couldn’t speak and only communicated by chirping and flapping his arms. He was taken into psychological care, where specialists began the long process of rehabilitation.

Marina Chapman: The Girl Raised by Monkeys

Marina Chapman’s life reads like a movie script. At just five years old, she was kidnapped from her home in Colombia and abandoned in the jungle. Left for dead, she was taken in by a group of capuchin monkeys, who taught her how to survive.

Years later, she was discovered by hunters—but her story didn’t end there. Sold into a brothel, she escaped and lived on the streets before being rescued by a kind neighbor. Eventually, Marina found her way to the UK, where she settled down and wrote a bestselling memoir, The Girl With No Name, recounting her astonishing life.