**Eight-Year-Old Boy Defies Odds, Survives Five Days Alone in Lion-Infested Park**

An eight-year-old boy, Tinotenda Pudu, was miraculously located alive after spending five days alone in Zimbabwe's Matusadona Game Park, a region known for its lions and elephants. He had ventured 23 km (14 miles) from his home, becoming lost in the expansive park that spans over 1,470 sq km (570 sq miles). Local MP Mutsa Murombedzi detailed the boy's harrowing experience, where he managed to sleep among the roaring lions and elephants while foraging for wild fruits to sustain himself.

Tinotenda displayed remarkable survival skills, digging small wells in dry riverbeds to quench his thirst—knowledge that is crucial in the drought-prone area where he lives. Despite a community search initiated by residents who beat drums in hopes of leading him home, it was the park rangers who ultimately found him. On the fifth day, Tinotenda narrowly escaped missing the patrol vehicle but caught their attention when they discovered fresh footprints nearby. This lucky encounter allowed them to rescue him just in time.

As news of his survival spread across social media, praises flooded in, commending the boy's grit and determination. Posts ranged from disbelief over his incredible ordeal to anticipatory excitement about the tales he would share with classmates upon returning.

This remarkable tale underscores not only a child's will to survive in the wild but also the dedicated efforts of the community and park rangers in ensuring his safe recovery.