There are documented cases of feral children being raised by monkeys/primates, wolves, dogs, bears, sheep, cattle, goats, and ostriches as well as many cases not associated with animals.

The cases of wild children occurs across the world including Columbia, Uganda, Russia, India, Spain, Ukraine, Chile, Romania, Siberia, Lithuania, Ireland, Andes, Sahara desert, Pyrenees, Germany, Belgium,France, Hungary, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Before the 1600s, feral children were relegated to myths and legends like Romulus and Remus in the Roman legend.