John Ssabunnya spent three years of his life in the care of African Green monkeys. At two, he was abandoned in the Ugandan jungle and lived with his monkey family until a tribeswoman spotted him in 1991. Villagers brought him to an orphanage where he was taught to speak and apparently sing. A few years ago, John toured Britain as a member of the Pearl of Africa children’s choir. From a BBC News report:
Dentist Hillary Cook, a 56-year-old mother of five from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, helped organise the singing tour. She met John after travelling to Uganda to offer dental treatment to some of the world’s poorest people.
“He doesn’t look any different to any of the other children in the choir, but his is a truly remarkable story. If it hadn’t been for the monkey’s intervention he would certainly be dead.
“He’s a shy boy and still speaks slowly but when he sings he has the most wonderful voice.”
I wonder how John is doing these days! Link (Thanks, Scott Compton!)