A little boy who had his faced ripped apart by chimpanzees in a horror attack that killed his brother and cousin has been given new start in life.
Dunia Sibomana was just six years old when he and his relatives were set upon by the ferocious animals while playing close to a nature reserve in the Congo.
His four-year-old brother and cousin tragically died from their injuries, with Dunia suffering devastating facial wounds and facing years of reconstructive surgery.
He had his lips completely torn off and his right cheek shredded by the bloodthirsty creatures, with the muscle damage making it difficult for him to communicate or even swallow.
The little boy also lost a finger and part of an ear, the Daily Star reports.
Dunia's horrific trauma in 2014 is one of several devastating attacks on people by wild monkeys, some fatal.
This week, a month-old baby boy was snatched from his mother while she breastfed him in their home in Tanzania..
Thankfully, Dunia's traumatic story had a much happier ending.
Found by a ranger, the little boy was saved by medics.
Then, with the help of the non-profit foundation Smile Rescue Fund for Kids, Dunia was taken to New York for reconstructive surgery.
In 2016, tissue and muscle from his forearm was grafted to recreate his lips.
He went on to have 14 operations while staying with several host families in America.
And in February this year, he was adopted by Long Beach Middle School wrestling coach Miguel Rodriguez.
Just weeks later, the remarkable young man, aged 14, won a Nassau County wrestling championship.
Greater Long Island TV's Jamie Stuart said Dunia’s is the most remarkable story he’s covered in his 20 years in the news business.
“From where he came from to where he is now is nothing short of incredible,” Stuart said.
“And incredible is how I would describe not only his attitude, but his new Long Beach family. I’m thrilled we told this story.”
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