Overview

• A newborn baby was found abandoned among garbage bags in northern Rio de Janeiro by street cleaner Samuel da Silva Santos at approximately 3 a.m. on April 3, 2025.
• The baby, named Vitória by Santos, is in good health and recovering at a local hospital after being taken there by police.
• Santos and his colleague, Anderson Nunes, have expressed their desire to adopt Vitória, citing the emotional connection they feel toward her.
• Brazilian law requires attempts to reunite children with their biological families before adoption proceedings can begin, making the adoption process uncertain.
• Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Vitória’s abandonment, which remain unclear at this time.