Seven-year-old Tinotenda Pudu survived five days alone in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park, a feat Zimbabwean officials have called “a true miracle.”
According to Zimbabwean Member of Parliament Mutsa Murombedzi, Pudu wandered away from home and became lost in the park for nearly a week.
Park rangers discovered Pudu after he had walked approximately 15 miles, officials reported.
Murombedzi announced, “After five arduous days near the Hogwe River, the boy was found alive. A seven-year-old sleeping on a rocky outcrop amidst lions, elephants, and the harsh wilderness is remarkable.”
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, elephants, hippos, and antelope, according to African Parks.
Murombedzi stated that the local Nyaminyami community played drums nightly, hoping the sounds would guide the boy home.
“We are profoundly grateful for Tinotenda’s safe return,” she said. “This underscores the power of prayer and perseverance.”
The BBC confirmed the child’s age with officials.