Boy, 7, survives five days in lion-infested Zimbabwean game park

A seven-year-old boy has miraculously survived after spending five days walking nearly 50km through a “lion-infested” game park in Zimbabwe.

Tinotenda Pudu wandered away from his home on December 27, unknowingly venturing into the dangerous Matusadona game park, which is home to around 40 lions as well as zebras, elephants, and crocodiles.

His disappearance sparked a large-scale search effort, which intensified on December 30 when responders discovered footprints.

He was found safe and unharmed on New Year’s Eve and taken to hospital for medical checks.

Mutsa Murombedzi, a local MP, described him sleeping on a rocky perch in the “unforgiving wild… amidst roaring lions [and] passing elephants,” reports Sky.

She tweeted: “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.”

It is estimated that he walked 49km from his village to the point where he was found.

“During this period, he survived on wild fruits and would dig a small hole along the dry riverbank to access underground water to drink, a technique that is well known in drought prone areas,” Zimparks said in a statement provided to Sky.

The authority said that he is seven years old and not eight, as Ms Murombedzi had mistakenly tweeted.

ZImparks tweeted: “We commend the efforts of the rangers, community members, and the [Zimbabwe Republic Police] in ensuring the safe return of the boy to his family.

“Their dedication and quick action highlight the strength of community collaboration in times of need.”