Hospital reports siblings rescued in Colombian Amazon showing improvements in health

Four Indigenous children who were rescued in the Colombian Amazon last week after spending 40 days in the jungle are now in a stable condition, according to the latest update from the military hospital treating them,

Although they remain at a “high risk” of infection, their medical evaluation has shown positive signs of progress.

The hospital’s statement revealed that the children have been responding well to a gradual increase in their food intake, which is a significant improvement considering they survived on berries, fruits, and roots during their time in the wilderness.

The survivors, named Lesly (13), Soleiny (9), Tien Noriel (5), and one-year-old Cristin, were the sole individuals to make it out of a small plane crash that occurred in the Amazon on May 1.

“Tragically, all three adults onboard, including their mother, did not survive the crash,” the statement reads.

It adds, “It was an arduous task for nearly 200 military personnel and Indigenous rescuers, accompanied by search dogs, to locate the siblings within the challenging conditions of the jungle. When found, the children were in a weakened and malnourished state.”

“While their medical condition has improved, they are still considered highly susceptible to infections due to their previous nutritional deficiencies,” stated the hospital.

According to family members, Lesly’s extensive knowledge of jungle survival, including its inherent hazards such as snakes, predators, and armed criminal groups, played a crucial role in the children’s ability to endure and survive.

Despite the successful rescue of the siblings, the search continues for Wilson, a dog that was part of the rescue mission but went missing in the jungle. Numerous soldiers are dedicated to finding and bringing him back safely.

Sources: Agence France-Presse and SGP