Eight-year-old's remarkable survival in lion-dense Zimbabwe park
Eight-year-old Tinotenda survived five days in Matusadona Park, Zimbabwe, which is renowned for having the largest number of lions in Africa. The boy managed to endure by eating wild fruits and sleeping on rocks.
Tinotenda, from Zimbabwe, spent five days lost in Matusadona Park, which is home to lions, leopards, and other wild animals. This news was shared by parliament member Mutsy Murombedzi on platform X. After leaving home, the boy lost his way and ended up in one of the wildest areas in Africa.
Survival amidst the wild nature
Tinotenda travelled about 23 kilometres from home, sleeping on rocks and eating wild fruits. His journey was filled with danger, including the roars of lions and the presence of elephants. Despite being exhausted, the boy managed to survive. His ordeal, travelling 23 kilometres away from home, "sleeping on a rocky perch, amidst roaring lions, passing elephants, eating wild fruits," is too much for an eight-year-old, wrote Murombedzi.
Happy ending to the search
Tinotenda heard the park rangers’ vehicle but couldn't reach it in time. He climbed onto a rocky outcrop where he waited for help. The rangers, retracing their path, noticed small footprints and found the boy. "This was probably his last chance of being rescued after 5 days in the wilderness," added Murombedzi.
Matusadona Park, located near the border with Zambia and adjacent to Lake Kariba, covers an area of about 1,500 square kilometres and is known for the highest concentration of lions in Africa. The villagers from Tinotenda's hometown considered his discovery a miracle. The boy was taken to the hospital, where he received necessary care.
