7-year-old boy survives 5 days missing in lion-infested forest

(CLO) A boy was rescued from the forest at the "lion-filled" Matusadona national park in Zimbabwe after 5 days missing.

Tinotenda Pudu, 7, went missing from his village in the northwest of the country on December 27. Thanks to the relentless efforts of rangers, police and the local community, the boy was rescued and returned home after five days of being missing.

The persistent heavy rains hampered the search, making it difficult for rangers to follow his footprints. The boy's tracks were not discovered until December 30, and Tinotenda was rescued the following morning.

Tinotenda Pudu, 7, disappeared from her village in northwestern Zimbabwe. Mutsa Murombedzi/X

MP Mutsa Murombedzi, who represents the Mashonaland West constituency where the national park is located, called the boy's rescue a "miracle". She said he had accidentally wandered into the dangerous Matusadona National Park and was lucky to be found.

According to the congressman, Tinotenda tried to get help by running towards the sound of the rangers' car that he heard. However, he was too late. Fortunately, the rangers returned and discovered footprints, which led them to the boy.

According to the non-profit organization African Parks, Matusadona National Park once had the highest density of lions in Africa and was home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, hippos, lions and buffalo.

Tinotenda is estimated to have walked through 49 km of lion-infested terrain over five days, surviving on wild fruits and stream water.

After being rescued, Tinotenda was taken to a local clinic for initial examination, and then transferred to a hospital for further medical tests.

The MP said the boy is currently resting and his health is stable. However, to ensure his long-term mental health, he will be thoroughly evaluated by psychologists.

Ha Trang (according to Zimbabwe News, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cau-be-7-tuoi-song-sot-sau-5-ngay-mat-tich-trong-khu-rung-voi-day-su-tu-post329434.html