In an extraordinary story of resilience and community spirit, 8-year-old Tinotenda Pudu has been found alive after spending five harrowing days lost in the Matusadonha Game Park, near the remote Kasvisva community in Nyaminyami, rural Kariba, Zimbabwe. The young boy wandered 23 kilometers from home, navigating the unforgiving wilderness after losing his way near the Hogwe River, which feeds into the Ume River.

Tinotenda’s ordeal saw him sleeping on a rocky outcrop amidst roaring lions, passing elephants, and surviving on wild fruits. The perilous conditions of the game park made his survival nothing short of miraculous. His rescue was made possible by the tireless efforts of the Matusadona Africa Parks rangers, who scoured the rugged terrain, and the Nyaminyami community, who beat night drums daily to help guide him back.

“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.” wrote Mutsa Murombedzi, Member of Parliament (MP) for Mashonaland West.

According to the MP, Tinotenda first heard the sound of a park ranger’s vehicle and tried to follow it. Although he missed the vehicle initially, he spotted its tracks and returned to his rocky perch. On their way back, the rangers noticed fresh footprints and followed them, eventually finding the boy.

“This was probably his last chance of being rescued after five days in the wilderness,” Murombedzi wrote, expressing gratitude to the brave rangers, the unwavering community, and the collective prayers and efforts that brought Tinotenda home safely.

This incredible rescue highlights the power of unity, hope, and determination in the face of adversity. Tinotenda’s survival is a testament to his courage and the remarkable dedication of everyone involved in bringing him home.