Maya beekeeper found alive after four days missing in jungle

José Guadalupe Poot Dzib, a 90-year-old Maya beekeeper and traditional healer known as ‘Don Wadin’, has been found alive after being missing for four days in the jungle.

Don Wadin disappeared on Sunday while checking his apiary at the San Luis ranch near X-Cabil. His son, Ángel, initially searched for him but was unable to locate him as night fell. The search efforts involved local farmers, community members, and a helicopter from the Government of Quintana Roo.

During the search, tracks left by the elderly man indicated he had realized he was lost and had been leaving signs of his path through the jungle. These clues led searchers toward the community of Epetz in Yucatán. He was eventually discovered by a local family in Epetz, who provided him with hydration before authorities coordinated his return to Tihosuco.