At just 8 years old, a young boy managed to survive no less than five days, alone, in a Zimbabwean animal reserve, the BBC reported this Friday. Matusadona National Park, located in the north of the country, covers 1,470 km2 and is home to impressive wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras and hippos. The region is also marked by difficult climatic conditions, with periods of drought.
Survival techniques
But young Tinotenda is visibly full of resources. “What saved him was the technique he learned from a young age, which consists of digging a small well on the banks of a dry river,” MP Mutsa Murombedzi pointed out in a publication on X.
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During these five days of survival, the child also sought shelter on rocks to protect himself from lions and other dangerous animals. Finally, to feed himself, he ate fruits available to him in nature.
Found safe and sound
Searches were organized by the local community to try to find him. It was ultimately thanks to fresh human footprints that the forest guards were able to locate Tinotenda. The latter had spotted their vehicle and tried to reach them, initially without success. Fortunately, the guards discovered the child safe and sound by following his tracks.
For the moment, the exact circumstances of this story are not yet known. Matusadona National Park still confirmed the incident to the British media. According to the BBC, the little boy got lost 23 kilometers from home.
