Ramu, the Second Lucknow Wolf Boy

Ramu, the second Lucknow Wolf Boy

Ramu was found in 1954 — possibly in a third-class waiting room at Lucknow station — and taken to the Balrampur hospital on 17 January, and was aged around 10-12.

Ramu's feral credentials

Like many feral children, Ramu had calloused knees and hands, and is reported to have also had pointed teeth and scars on the back of his neck. He couldn't speak but made animal noises instead. Ramu also only liked raw fruits and meat when first taken to Balrampur, but after only a few weeks had taken to cooked vegetables and bread.

Reunited with his parents

The following report is from The Hindu, dated 10 February 1954:

The seven-year-old 'Wolf Boy', who has been an inmate at the local Balrampur Hospital since January 17, has found his parents. It is claimed they belong to the Khatick community and live in Lucknow. According to them, Ramu, as this child is known, was snatched away by a wolf when asleep from the lap of his mother one night six years ago. Frantic efforts were made to trace him, and finally he was believed to have died. A chance visit to Balrampur Hospital following press reports led to the recognition of the 'Wolf Boy' by his parents, who identified him by a mark over his forehead and a bluish patch on his right thigh.

Ramu's affinity with wolves

Ramu was not interested in the company of other humans and particularly feared adults, but when taken on an outing to the zoo became very excited by the wolves. This, together with the fact that Ramu lapped milk from a glass, tore his food apart and was happy to chew on bones for hours, suggested to doctors that he had been brought up by wolves.