An eight-year-old boy survives five days alone surrounded by 40 lions in a Zimbabwe game park, thanks to survival tips he learned.
An eight-year-old boy, Tinotenda Pudu, is safe after an incredible adventure in a Zimbabwean game park.
He spent five days alone, surrounded by lions, and managed to survive thanks to skills he learned from his community.
Tinotenda wandered 14 miles into the park.
Tinotenda lives in the Kasvisva area, near Kariba in northern Zimbabwe.
One day, he wandered away from home and ended up 14 miles into Matusadona National Park, known for its wild animals.
This park is home to around 40 lions, making it a dangerous place for anyone, especially a young boy.
Eight-year-old boy stays alive for five days among 40 lions after practicing one survival tip
The boy’s journey began when he strayed too far from home.
He found himself in a risky situation, with roaring lions nearby and elephants passing through.
Despite this, he showed great courage and resourcefulness.
He spent his nights sleeping on a rocky ledge, high above the ground, to stay safe from the animals.
During his time in the park, Tinotenda relied on his knowledge of the wild.
He gathered wild fruits to eat and dug small wells in dry riverbeds to find drinking water.
These skills are essential in areas where water is hard to find, especially during dry seasons.
The boy’s training from his community helped him know how to survive in such a tough environment.
The local community organized search parties for Tinotenda.
While Tinotenda was missing, the local community did not give up on him. They organized search parties to look for him.
Each day, they beat drums to guide him back home, hoping he could hear them and find his way.
The love and unity of the Nyaminyami community were strong, and they prayed for his safe return.
After five long days, the boy was finally found.
Parl rangers were driving through the park when he spotted their vehicle. He ran after it, hoping they could help him.
The rangers noticed fresh footprints in the sand, which led them to where he was hiding.
They followed the tracks and soon found the young boy.
The community expressed deep gratitude for Tinotenda’s safe return.
Mashonaland West MP Mutsa Murombedzi shared Tinotenda’s story on social media, expressing gratitude for his safe return.
She said, “This was probably his last chance of being rescued after five days in the wilderness.”
The MP thanked everyone involved in the search, emphasizing the power of community and hope.
‘This is a testament to the power of unity, hope, prayer and never giving up’, she said.