The incredible story of the 8 year old boy who disappeared for 5 days in a park full of lions

In northern Zimbabwe a eight year old boy, Tinotenda Puduwas found alive after being disappeared for five days in the Matusadona Game Park, an area known for the presence of dangerous wild animals such as lions and elephants.

His disappearance had caused great concern, especially considering that the park hosts about 40 lions and one of the highest population densities of these animals in Africa. Tinotenda was lost about 23 kilometers from his home in Nyaminyami community.

During the five days he remained missing, the little boy demonstrated an incredible ability to adapt and survive. Ha slept on a rock spur to protect itself from predators and fed on wild fruits. To get water, he used a stick for digging small wells in dry river bedsa skill he had been taught in a region frequently subject to drought.

The discovery

The entire community mobilized to look for the child. Every day community members have played drums in hopes of guiding him home. However, it was the park ranger team that found him. On the fifth day, Tinotenda heard the sound of a ranger car and stopped directed towards thembut was not initially seen.

Fortunately, the guards went back and, following his fresh footprints, searched the area until we find it again. MP Mutsa Murombedzi shared the story on X, praising the child’s courage and resilience. His survival was described as almost miraculous, considering the hostile context in which he found himself.

The local community celebrated his safe return, recognizing the importance of traditional survival knowledge who helped save his life. The Matusadona Game Park, which covers more than 1,470 square kilometers, is a place famous for its wildlife, also home to zebras, elephants, hippos and antelopes.

Tinotenda’s story went viral on social media, with many users complimenting the little boy on his survival instincts, highlighting the importance of teaching children the skills needed to deal with emergency situations in nature.