It may seem somethings straight out of the Jungle Book or Tarzan but there is nothing cute or romantic about the plight of the 5-year old Russian girl Natasha who was raised by dogs and cats – right within the four walls of her home. She was found in a little flat in Siberia whom she shares with her father, grandparents, and other relatives. Despite the presence of adults in this remote Siberian household, the motherless child – the mother is alive but not living at home – is apparently constantly left alone with the animals. It is speculated that she may never have left the flat at all. Natascha shows the classical signs of “feral upbringing”, also called the “Mowgli Syndrome” – she barks, lunges and eats like a dog. She understands Russian but can’t speak and communicates through barking instead.

There have been stories of feral children – in myths but also real documented cases. The most popular are Tarzan of the Apes and Mowgli of the Jungle Book. Feral children lack the social skills that children with normal upbringing learn during the first years of their lives. They may not be able to walk upright and definitely have undeveloped language skills.

The Russian authorities have removed the girl from her home and placed in an orphanage. Her parents may face charges of child negligence and abuse. I really hope that wherever she is now, Natascha is getting the physical and psychological care that she needs.