An eight-year-old boy lost and alone in a lion-infested forest for five days has been found alive and safe by rescuers.
The boy, identified as Tinotenda Pudu, wandered away from his rural home in the Kasvisva community, in rural Kariba, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, and unknowingly entered the dangerous Matusadona Game Park.
The incident began on 26th December, when Tinotenda became lost after heading in the wrong direction and straying into the wildlife park, known for its lions and other wild animals.
Tinotenda’s ordeal lasted five days, during which he wandered approximately 23 kilometres, surviving on wild fruits and using a technique learned from his community to draw water from dry riverbeds before finding a river.
After that he slept on rocky outcrops near the Hogwe River, which feeds into the Ume River, and encountered lions, elephants, and other wildlife during his time in the unforgiving wilderness.
His rescue came after Tinotenda heard a park ranger’s vehicle and tried to run towards the sound, though he was unable to reach it in time.
When the rangers returned along the same path, they noticed small human footprints and found Tinotenda, frail but alive.
The local Matusadona Africa Parks rangers, who were conducting operations in the area, played a crucial role in the search, along with the Nyaminyami community, who beat night drums daily in an effort to guide him back.
Tinotenda was found on 31st December after a harrowing search, and was immediately given medical attention, including fluids, to regain his strength.
Tinotenda’s survival was described as a miracle, with Mashonaland West Proportional Representation MP Mutsa Murombedzi expressing gratitude and saying: “Above all, we thank God for watching over Tinotenda and leading him back home safely. This is a testament to the power of unity, hope, prayer and never giving up.”
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Michael Leidig, Sub-Editor: Simona Kitanovska, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
