Feral Children.

While watching tv the other day I came across an interesting documentary. It was about kids left alone and abandoned since a young age. Not many people have heard the term feral child. That is because their are only about 100 knows cases around the world. A feral child is a child that has been living since a very young age without any (or very little) human contact and interaction. These children are often abandoned by unfit parents, and are left to fend for themselves since birth. Although a child doesn't have to be abandoned completely, the lack of physical and phycological stimulation leaves these children mentally disabled and socially handicap. 

Oxana Malaya is one of the few children seen around the world to be a feral child. At the age of three she was left outside her home, in Ukraine, by her alcoholic parents. Finding shelter and warmth with dogs, Oxana began her life with the pack. For five years she would eat, sleep, and live with dogs, without any human contact, until one day a neighbor reported a chid living with animals. When authorities picked Oxana up, she could only walk on all fours, and continuously barked and growled. Her behavior was studied by many therapists and phycologists, and all claim that her behavior was not an act, but her true instincts.

Feral children aren't widely known, but their stories are ones filled with heartache and pain. Oxana Malaya isn't the only child that has been abandoned by their parents, as there are others of her kind. Yet I found Oxana's case  intriguing because of her odd circumstances. Usually, feral children are found to be extremely underweight, have little or no mobility, and are more or less mentally disabled. Oxana, on the other hand, acted like and was a functional dog. Now, Oxana lives at a home for the disabled, for this enormous neglect has greatly hindered her chances to live a normal life. She regained part of her speech, only because she knew a few words before 'joining the pack'. 

The program had a great impact on the way I viewed the show. They used serious tones throughout the narration, and made the emotions clear. The knowledge of what's happening to children around the world is making me more aware of the realities of life. Not everyone can live and afford a lushes lifestyle. These days communication has become very simple and easy, and therefore we're seeing the truth of the world. The media exposes the truth, and reality cannot hide. I feel deeply sympathetic towards this woman for what she has endured, but find great fascination in the way she has developed. Here's a Youtube link that'll give you an idea of how she acts like a dog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyqbnDjId7g