Abandoned toddler rescued and raised by feral dogs | 60 Minutes Australia

The video introduces the remarkable case of Oksana Malaya, a Ukrainian girl who, at the age of three, was abandoned by her alcoholic parents and sought comfort and survival by living in a dog kennel. For six years, she was protected and fed by the dogs, adopting their behaviors like barking and eating with her tongue.

Discovered at age eight, Oksana's development was severely impacted. At 22, she still has the mental age of a 5-6 year old and struggles with basic human skills. Psychologists believe she may never fully catch up, highlighting the critical period for human development and the lasting effects of extreme neglect.

Oksana's case, along with other 'feral children' like Genie Wiley, provides rare insights into the nature versus nurture debate. The video discusses experiments like Winthrop Kellogg's with his son and a chimpanzee, showing how early childhood experiences profoundly shape development. It also emphasizes the critical period for language acquisition, typically before age five.

The story of Genie Wiley, found in Los Angeles after 13 years of extreme isolation and deprivation, is presented. Despite initial hopes from linguists like Susan Curtis that she could learn language, Genie's development eventually stopped, indicating the irreversible damage caused by lack of early social interaction and the inability to grasp grammar beyond words.

Drawing comparisons to Harry Harlow's monkey experiments on the need for comfort over food, the segment explores why neglected individuals still seek connection with their biological parents. Oksana, despite her improvements, decides to seek out her estranged parents. She reunites with her father and discovers a half-sister she never knew she had.

Despite the suffering and developmental challenges, Oksana exhibits an undeniable spirit and a remarkable capacity for forgiveness. The video concludes by emphasizing the awe-inspiring resilience of these children and their willingness to connect with others, despite the profound harm they have experienced.