AfricaTopSuccess They make Africa
A seven-year-old Zimbabwean boy has been rescued after spending five days alone in a lion and elephant-inhabited game park.
Tinotenda Pudu, from northern Zimbabwe, wandered 49 kilometers (30 miles) from his home into Matusadona National Park, a sprawling wilderness known for its dense population of predators and other dangerous wildlife.
“The boy relied on his survival instincts and skills to stay alive. He ate wild fruits and used a stick to dig shallow wells in dry riverbeds for water critical lessons for those living in drought-prone regions,” according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).
Community members launched a search party, using drum beats to help guide him home. However, it was park rangers who ultimately found him after spotting small footprints near their patrol route.
The park spans over 1,470 square kilometers and is home to roughly 40 lions, elephants, hippos, and other wildlife. Once boasting one of Africa’s highest densities of lions, Matusadona is a perilous place for any human, let alone a young child.
Social media has been flooded with admiration for his resilience. “His survival is nothing short of a miracle,” wrote one commenter, while another added, “He’ll have quite the story to tell his classmates.”
Despite the dangers he faced, Tinotend’s bravery and resourcefulness left many in awe, offering a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
