Spanish doctor reconstructs face of man attacked by a hyena

The renowned Valencia surgeon has reconstructed his face and one of his hands which means the Kenyan can now eat and help to look after his seven children.

The pair spoke on Tuesday at the conference hall of the Hospital de Manises in Valencia. Lonunuko couldn't find the words to thank the surgeon who has restored his basic functions.

Following the incident in 2012, Lonunuko was transferred to a hospital in Samburu in northern Kenya where they found that his palate, his upper jaw bone and a third of his face had been ripped off. He couldn't swallow nor speak and he had severe injuries to his hand. With limited resources "they did what they could", said Cavadas.

The surgeon said that while there were still "a few aesthetic touches" to be added, Lonunuko could return to Kenya in a week and will be able to live "a normal life" now that he "can eat whatever he wants and be understood when he speaks".

The recovery period, compared to being attacked by a hyena at least, "should be a walk in the park for him", joked the surgeon.