Prodigy Children: How Four Colombian Kids Survived 40 Days in the Jungle

In a remarkable tale of survival and resilience, four indigenous children have been found alive in Colombia’s Amazon jungle after enduring 40 days alone following a plane crash. The astonishing story serves as a testament to the incredible capabilities of children, as highlighted by Dr. Cornelius Grove, a neurologist and ethnologist.

The siblings, aged 13, 9, and 5 years old, plus a baby at just 11 months old, were discovered exhausted but alive and have since been reunited with their relatives. Fidencio Valencia, their grandfather, expressed his joy at seeing the children and mentioned that they are “very weak” but happy to be back with their family. Currently, they are recovering in the hospital in stable condition, and officials report that two of them have already begun playing.

The children went missing on May 1st after the plane they were traveling in crashed, tragically resulting in the death of their mother and the two pilots. A search operation involving the military and local volunteers spanned over a month until the children were finally found on Friday. The rescuers spotted various signs in the jungle, including footprints and partially eaten fruit, which led them to the children’s location.

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The remarkable story confirms what Dr. Cornelius Grove has been saying about the prodigious capabilities of children, as demonstrated in indigenous societies. Lesly, the 13-year-old eldest sibling, played a crucial role in guiding and caring for her younger brothers and sisters during their ordeal. Her grandmother explained that Lesly had experience looking out after her siblings when their mother was at work.

Their survival strategy involved consuming flour they found among the wreckage, and then seeds they collected in the forest. The willingness and ability of young children to significantly contribute to their family’s well-being is a theme of How Other Children Learn: What Five Traditional Societies Tell Us about Parenting and Children’s Learning, Dr. Grove’s latest book.

The children’s grandmother, Fatima Valencia, expressed her immense gratitude for their safe return. She credited Lesly’s caretaking abilities and the children’s familiarity with jungle survival skills and indigenous knowledge for their survival. In footage obtained by EVN, Ms. Valencia explained how Lesly provided food such as flour and cassava bread and taught them which fruits were safe to consume.

Colombia’s Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez also commended Lesly’s leadership and resourcefulness, stating that her knowledge of the jungle and her care for her siblings played a significant role in their survival. The siblings belong to the Huitoto indigenous group, and their community members were instrumental in the search effort, volunteering their time and knowledge to aid the rescue mission.

How did the accident occur?

The tragic incident happened when the Cessna 206 aircraft that was transporting the children and their mother experienced engine failure during a flight from Araracuara to San José del Guaviare. While the bodies of the three adults were found at the crash site, it became evident that the children had managed to escape the wreckage and ventured into the rainforest in search of help.

In the preceding weeks, search teams discovered items left behind by the children, including a drinking bottle, scissors, a hair tie, and a makeshift shelter. These findings, along with footprints, instilled hope in the searchers and their belief that the children were still alive in the dense rainforest.

The successful rescue operation serves as a testament to children’s resilience and survival instincts, particularly in indigenous societies where they often take on significant responsibilities within their families. 

As the four children continue their recovery, their story will undoubtedly inspire many and serve as a reminder of the incredible strength and resourcefulness that children possess.