Four Children Rescued in Amazon After Plane Crash: Here’s What They Ate to Live 40 Days in the Forest

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Jun 12, 04:22 am

Photo: (Photo : JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)

Four children who were missing for over a month in the Amazon jungle have been found alive, thanks to their resourcefulness and their ability to sustain themselves by consuming cassava flour. Special forces of the Colombian military found the children, who had survived a plane crash that tragically claimed their mother's life. According to CNN, The use of their indigenous knowledge and their consumption of the nutrient-rich flour played a vital role in their survival during their harrowing ordeal.

The four children, identified as Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy (13), Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy (9), Tien Ranoque Mucutuy (4), and infant Cristin Ranoque Mucutuy, were found in the Amazon jungle, malnourished but conscious and lucid. According to New York Post, they relied on their indigenous background and their understanding of the jungle environment to find sustenance and avoid harmful elements. Initially, they were able to survive by consuming about three kilograms (six pounds) of farina, a coarse cassava flour that is popular among indigenous tribes. However, as their provisions ran out, they embarked on a search for food and water to stay alive.

Power of Indigenous Knowledge

The children's ability to navigate the jungle and their knowledge of edible resources were key factors in their survival. Their indigenous origins provided them with certain immunities against diseases prevalent in the Amazon, and their familiarity with the environment allowed them to identify safe food sources. Their resilience and adaptability in such a hostile environment are a testament to their upbringing and cultural heritage.

Following their rescue, the children were airlifted to a hospital in Bogota, Colombia, for medical care. Although they are dehydrated and unable to consume solid food at the moment, they are reported to be in stable condition. The priority now is to stabilize their health and provide them with the necessary support for a full recovery.

According to The Guardian, the children's mother, Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia, tragically lost her life in the plane crash that left the children stranded in the jungle. Colombian authorities launched an extensive search operation involving over one hundred special forces troops and indigenous scouts. The dedication and perseverance of the search teams were vital in locating the children and providing hope to their worried relatives and the entire community.

Remarkable Survival Story

The incredible journey of these four children has captivated the nation and garnered attention worldwide. Their resourcefulness, resilience, and the support they received from both indigenous knowledge and the dedicated search teams highlight the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Colombian President Gustavo Petro celebrated their return and emphasized that their survival would be remembered as a significant moment in history. The children, once children of the jungle, are now embraced as children of Colombia.

The survival of these four children in the Amazon jungle for over 40 days is a testament to the power of human resilience and the importance of cultural knowledge. Through their reliance on cassava flour and their indigenous upbringing, they were able to sustain themselves until their rescue. Their story serves as a reminder of the incredible strength that can be found within individuals, even in the most challenging circumstances.