7-Year-Old Boy Who Survived 5 Days in Park With Lions Is 'Stable'

The 7-year-old boy who survived five days alone in Matusadona National Park, in Zimbabwe, has now rested and is "stable". The health status update was provided this weekend by Mutsa Murombedzi, a member of the Zimbabwean parliament, on X (formerly Twitter).

"A mental health team will assess you soon to ensure you have not suffered lasting trauma. They have strongly recommended that Tinotenda not give any interviews at this stage. It may trigger emotional or psychological distress," Mutsa Murombedzi warned on social media.

The deputy stated that she will continue to monitor the case to ensure that the child receives "all the care and support" she needs during the recovery process.

UPDATE on young boy Tinotenda Pudu who got lost & was found in lion infested Matusadonha Game Park

I got it wrong with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care & the Mashonaland West Provincial Medical Director called me Tinotenda welfare… pic.twitter.com/mHek9fi6YY

— Mutsa Murombedzi MP🇿🇼 (@mutsamu) January 4, 2025

“Your mental well-being remains our highest priority,” highlighted the deputy.

According to the official website, Matusadona National Park has several wild animals such as lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. Tinotenda Pundu managed to stay alive by sleeping on high rocks and eating fruit.

The child strayed from the village where he lives, in the north of the country, on December 27th and ended up getting lost. He was found in the park, 50 kilometers away. He was weak and dehydrated, but alive.

Five days later, Tinotenda Pundu heard a ranger's car and ran towards it, but by the time he arrived at the scene the vehicle had already disappeared. Later, the guards returned and noticed fresh children's footprints on the floor. They found the boy shortly after.

Once with the authorities, the boy was taken to the hospital and placed on IV fluids.

"It is remarkable that he is estimated to have traveled 49 kilometers from his village to where he was found through the difficult terrain of the lion-infested Matusadona National Park," park spokeswoman Tinashe Farawo told British newspaper Metrô.

The child's mother considers it a "miracle" that Tinotenda Pundu lasted so long alone in dangerous terrain.

"We are so grateful to the brave rangers. This is a testament to the power of unity, hope, prayer and never giving up," the mother added.