A seven-year-old boy named Tinotenda Pundu survived five days in Matusadona National Park, a wildlife reserve in northern Zimbabwe known for its lions and other dangerous animals. Tinotenda wandered into the park from his village on December 27 and was found around 30 miles away on December 31. He survived by eating wild fruits and drinking water he accessed by digging into a riverbank, a common survival technique in drought-prone areas of Zimbabwe.
The search for Tinotenda was challenging due to heavy rains but intensified after his footprints were spotted on December 30. Local villagers aided the search by beating drums to guide him, while park rangers ultimately found him deep in the wilderness. Tinotenda was found frail but without visible injuries and was admitted to a hospital for recovery.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo noted that Tinotenda walked roughly 30 miles through the park’s harsh terrain. Local MP Mutsa Murombedzi described his survival as a “miracle,” highlighting his ingenuity in sleeping on elevated rocks to avoid predators.
Matusadona National Park, located near Lake Kariba, is home to diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. The park spans over 560 square miles and is known for its high lion population density.
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