7-year-old boy found in a “lion-infested” area after going missing for 3 days at a game park in Zimbabwe

A 7-year-old Zimbabwean boy who had been missing for five days in a lion-infested national park has been found alive, bringing relief and joy to his family and community.  

The boy, identified as Tinotenda Pudu, disappeared on December 27 while in the Matusadona National Park. A massive rescue effort involving park rangers, police, and local community members was launched to find him.  

According to a spokesperson from Zimbabwe Parks, the search was hindered by heavy rainfall that washed away footprints, making it difficult to track the child. However, on December 30, the rescue team finally spotted his footprints, leading to his discovery just hours later.  

Mutsa Murombedzi, a member of parliament for the Mashonaland West region, described the rescue as a “true miracle.” He explained that the child had wandered away, lost his bearings, and unknowingly entered the dangerous Matusadona Game Park. 

She wrote: “A boy missing & found in Matusadonha game park A true miracle in remote Kasvisva community, Nyaminyami in rural Kariba, a community where one wrong turn could easily lead into a game park. 8-year-old Tinotenda Pudu wandered away, lost direction & unknowingly headed into the perilous Matusadonha game park. After 5 long, harrowing days in the jungle near Hogwe River, which feeds into Ume river, the boy has been found alive by the incredible rangers from Matusadona Africa Parks. His ordeal, wandering 23km from home, sleeping on a rocky perch, amidst roaring lions, passing elephants, eating wild fruits and just the unforgiving wild i too much for an 8year old. We are overwhelmed with gratitude to the brave park rangers, the tireless Nyaminyami community who beat night drums each day to get the boy hear sound & get the direction back home & everyone who joined the search. 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.”