The Wild Boy

The Wild Boy

While chasing monkeys, we unknowingly entered deep into a dense forest. The monkeys were hanging from tree branches, leaping from one tree to another, and running swiftly, while we ran after them. We had heard many stories about the mischief of monkeys, but that day they truly played a trick on us.

Wednesday, 5 October 2016

Javed Iqbal

I had made a deal with zoo officials to capture monkeys for them. I included my friends in this expedition so that we could enjoy a picnic together and also earn some money by catching the monkeys.

We located the monkeys’ dwelling in the forest and spread food items that they liked. Then we set up nets and traps and hid ourselves behind bushes. Seeing us, the monkeys ran away. We hid and waited for their return.

After a long wait, a group of monkeys arrived and attacked the food. Within moments, they ate everything. When we tried to drive them toward the nets, they cleverly picked up the nets and traps and escaped.

Chasing the monkeys, we entered a darker part of the forest. Dense tree branches formed a roof overhead, blocking sunlight from reaching the ground. Even during the day, it felt like night. A deep silence surrounded us. The monkeys disappeared somewhere, and we moved forward cautiously with our weapons. Even the sound of a falling leaf startled us.

Because of the darkness, I got separated from my companions. When I realized this, I tried to turn back. Suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind and sank his teeth into my shoulder. I screamed loudly and jerked my shoulder free, but his sharp nails dug into the flesh of my arm. Then he appeared in front of me.

He was a wild human—long hair, sharp nails, wild eyes, and wearing nothing but a loincloth.

He attacked again, but I dodged quickly and stepped back, blowing a sharp whistle. My companions responded with the same whistle, which was our secret signal meaning, “Do not panic, we are coming.”

Seizing the moment, the wild boy attacked me again. Despite his young age, he was agile and strong. Soon, my companions arrived. Seeing me struggling with a wild human, they aimed their guns.

“Do not fire!” I shouted.

They lowered their weapons and jumped on the wild boy. After a brief struggle, they overpowered him. One friend pulled out a rope from his waist pouch and tied him up. Then two of my companions lifted him, and we returned from the forest.

The news of capturing a wild human shocked the civilized world. It was astonishing that a child had been separated from humans, raised among animals, and adopted animal-like behavior. Crowds came to see the wild boy. For several days, journalists surrounded us.

When the excitement faded, his rehabilitation began with the help of a doctor and a psychologist. Making him civilized required immense effort, but gradually signs of change appeared. He started understanding us and helping with household tasks. Soon, he learned marksmanship and began accompanying us on hunting expeditions as an assistant.

Despite being an excellent shooter, he never fired at animals. Instead, he carried a bag filled with food and offered it to animals, standing at a distance and watching them eat with happiness.

Meanwhile, we continued searching for his parents. One day, some people came to see him. Upon noticing a unique birthmark on his body, they recognized him as their lost child.

After reuniting with his parents, the boy asked for permission to leave with them. With heavy hearts, we allowed him to go.