7-Year-Old Boy Survives Five Days in Lion-Infested Zimbabwe Park

Political map of Zimbabwe with capital Harare, with national borders, most important cities, rivers and lakes. Illustration with English labeling and scaling.

7 Year Old Boy Survives days alone in Lion Park in Zimbabwe
He got lost and manage to survive by himself till he was rescued five days after
Rescuers and lawmakers call the feat a “Miracle”

In an extraordinary tale of resilience, a seven-year-old boy, Tinotenda Pundu, survived five days alone in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park, a reserve teeming with lions and other dangerous wildlife.

Tinotenda wandered into the park, located near his village, on December 27, 2024. When he was found five days later, he had miraculously traveled approximately 49 kilometers (30 miles) through the harsh terrain.

According to Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo, Tinotenda survived by eating wild fruit and using a survival technique common in drought-prone areas—digging into a riverbank for water.

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“Remarkably, he endured the lion-infested park and walked an incredible distance to where he was ultimately rescued,” Farawo stated.

The search effort, involving rangers, locals, and police, was hampered by heavy rains. Villagers played drums, hoping to guide the boy back with familiar sounds, while rangers ventured deeper into the wilderness. On December 30, Tinotenda’s footprints were spotted, leading to his rescue early the following day.

Local lawmaker Mutsa Murombedzi called the survival “a miracle,” noting that the boy cleverly perched on rocks at night to avoid predators like lions and leopards. “He was frail but had no visible injuries and is now receiving medical care,” she added.

The Matusadona National Park, near Lake Kariba, is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and big cats. Despite the park’s dangers, Tinotenda’s resourcefulness and determination ensured his survival.

This incredible story highlights not only the boy’s courage but also the efforts of the local community and rangers who worked tirelessly to bring him home.