Charlotte Foster
Family & Pets

New photos of Cleo Smith show insight into her life after kidnapping

Almost three years after being abducted from a campsite, heartwarming new photos show how Cleo Smith is living as a happy school girl and big sister. 

In October 2021, Cleo Smith, who was four years old at the time, made international headlines after she was snatched from a campsite as she slept alongside her mother, stepfather and baby sister at the Blowholes campsite, about 960km north of Perth, Western Australia.

A state-wide police operation was launched in search for Cleo, who was four years old at the time, which led to her dramatic rescue 18 days later.

Now, almost three years after the horrific abduction and intense media scrutiny, Cleo, who is now seven years old, is adjusting to a normal life. 

A collection of photos, shared to Instagram by 60 Minutes, showed a beaming Cleo enjoying life with her family, as one photo showed Cleo smiling along with her mother, Ellie Smith, stepdad Jake Gliddon, and little sister, Isla.

The snapshots revealed happy moments of young Cleo's life, including a family fishing trip, Isla's first birthday, her seventh birthday and the sisters' first day at school in 2024.

"Cleo Smith, all grown up. The seven-year-old is enjoying life in Western Australia, loving school and being a big sister to Isla," 60 Minutes wrote.

The photos received an overwhelming response from social media users all around the world, with many sharing well wishes for the family and for Cleo. 

"Beautiful to see the family so happy and healthy," one person wrote. 

"Bless your heart, so glad you are living your best life," another person commented. 

A third person wrote, "It's so good to see her happy! I followed her story from Argentina. Keep enjoying life Cleo!"

Image credits: 60 Minutes / Instagram 

Tags:
family & pets, Cleo Smith, update