7-year-old boy found alive after five days lost in Zimbabwe’s lion territory

For five harrowing days, 7-year-old Tinotenda Pudu from Zimbabwe wandered alone through Matusadona National Park, one of Africa's most dangerous wildernesses. According to CNN, the child vanished from his village on December 27, unknowingly trekking into the lion-populated expanse of nearly 570 square miles.

Alone in a predator’s domain

Representative depiction of Matusadona National ParkCanva

Home to lions, elephants, and leopards, the park is no place for a child. Yet Tinotenda survived, living off wild fruits and digging into the dry riverbed to reach underground water. According to Zimbabwe Parks authorities, this is a known survival method in the region's drought-stricken areas.

To aid in the search, community members and park rangers used traditional drumming techniques, hoping the rhythmic sounds would guide the boy home. Their hopes were initially dashed by heavy rains that erased his tracks.

On December 30, new footprints were spotted. The next day, Tinotenda was found—alive and only slightly injured—roughly 30 miles from where he disappeared.

“A true miracle”

“This was probably his last chance of being rescued after five days in the wilderness,” said Mutsa Murombedzi, a local Member of Parliament. Her updates on X detailed the moments of hope, despair, and ultimately, joy.

How he survived

In a series of tweets, Murombedzi explained that Tinotenda survived on a wild fruit called "nchoomva" in Tonga. To quench his thirst, he used his hands and sticks to dig a water hole known as a "Mukàla" or "Mufuku" in local languages.

Now safe and healing

When rangers finally reached him on December 31, Tinotenda was weak and caked in mud but conscious. He was rushed to a local clinic for evaluation, then transferred to a hospital. According to Murombedzi, the boy is in stable condition and will receive mental health support.

“This is a testament to the power of unity, hope, prayer and never giving up,” Murombedzi wrote, echoing the sentiments of a grateful nation and an awestruck global audience.

What began as a terrifying disappearance ended as a miraculous story of survival, courage, and community determination. Tinotenda’s will to live—and the dedication of those who refused to give up on him—will be remembered as one of the most inspiring stories of the year.