Harare: A 7-year-old boy was rescued from Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe after going missing for five days.
Tinotenda Pudu, from northwest Zimbabwe, disappeared on December 27, sparking a search operation by authorities.
Park rangers, police, and local community members conducted the extensive search despite challenging conditions.
Heavy rainfall hindered searchers as they struggled to locate Tinotenda’s footprints in the region’s dense terrain.
Boy’s Survival Against All Odds
On December 30, park rangers discovered signs of his presence and resumed searching for the boy.
The following morning, they found him near the park’s heart, where he had been for days.
Tinotenda had wandered unknowingly into the park, home to wildlife, including lions, zebras, and hippos.
Authorities reported that Tinotenda survived by eating wild fruit and drinking from dry river beds.
A True Miracle
Mutsa Murombedzi, a local MP, called the rescue a “true miracle” due to the boy’s tough conditions.
Murombedzi shared that Tinotenda heard the rescue vehicle but was unable to make it in time.
When rangers spotted fresh footprints, they immediately went back to track Tinotenda, leading to his rescue.
Experts estimate the boy walked over 49 kilometers through dangerous wildlife territory during his five-day ordeal.
Recovery After Rescue
Tinotenda was initially treated at a local clinic for minor injuries.
Later, he was moved to a hospital for additional medical checks following his survival story.
Despite his difficult experience, the boy is reported to be in stable condition after the rescue.
Mental health support has been arranged to help Tinotenda recover from his traumatic experience in the wild.
