Lost in Siberia: the incredible survival of Karina Chikitova

Against all odds, a missing little girl braved the Siberian wilderness and was found thanks to her dog. This is the story of Karina Chikitova, a story that continues to be told and celebrated as time passes

Stories like this are few and barely unbelievable, yet true. A young girl lost in the Siberian wilderness was miraculously able to survive against all odds, thanks to her loyal four-legged companion, Naida.

A tragic disappearance

Karina Chikitova was days shy of her fourth birthday when she disappeared in summer 2014, having been on holiday with her mother in the remote village of Olom in Russia’s Sakha Republic. In July, one morning, she left the family home to play with Naida but never returned.

The alarm was raised by her mother and family, but the village’s poor telephone reception and communications delayed the search effort much more than it should. Authorities initiated an investigation, deploying canine search units, helicopters, and drones to locate the missing child. Many volunteers joined in the search.

A fading hope

It was impossible to imagine finding Karina alive. The Siberian wilderness was full of threats-from freezing nighttime temperatures to the predators like wolves and bears. And even experienced rescue teams struggled with tough conditions and frequent bear sightings. How could such a young child survive?

Days soon passed to more than a week, and hope slowly evaporated. Then the unexpected happened: Naida, the dog that disappeared with Karina, showed up at the village again.

A miraculous rescue

According to the Sakha Republic Rescue Service, Naida’s return became the key to saving Karina. The dog led rescuers to the child, who was found curled up in tall grass about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) from the village. After 11 days of relentless searching, Karina was discovered alive, though she bore injuries on her body.

How she survived almost two weeks in the wilderness is anybody’s guess. Many are of the opinion that Naida guarded and kept her warm in the freezing Siberian nights.

No more a little girl who got lost in the Siberian, Karina Chikitova has grown up into a young lady who loves dancing and is attached with animals. Her story of survival inspired many, while the statue stands immortal for the great way out.

Designed by artist Nikolai Chochchasov, the sculpture stands in the square of Yakutsk Airport. It is a tribute to this extraordinary tale, dedicated to a girl whom many dubbed “Mowgli” and her gutsy dog, Naida.