This Wildlife Photographer Took A Nap With A Cheetah And It Is The Most Adorable Thing

There no one in this world I trust more than an animal lover… apart from maybe my Mom. But other than my Mom, I know that if I’m dealing with an animal lover, I’m in great hands. It’s not steered me wrong yet!

And there are some people out there who love animals so much that they’ll do literally just about anything for them, no matter how dangerous it may be. Even if it means having a quick nap with a wild cheetah.

Yep… you read that right.

And Dolph C. Volker, who is a wildlife photographer, is 100% one of those people. In fact, he is a long time animal lover who has a zoology degree.

“Began after watching my first dog die in my arms. It changed me. All life has a greater meaning now. Consistent repetitive, compassion, love, and respect,”  Volker explains on his YouTube channel.

His deep love for animals finally crossed the lines into advocacy after he began to volunteer at the Cheetah Experience located in South Africa. The Cheetah Experience is a sanctuary that raises awareness for the critically endangered species while also being proactive in ethically breeding cheetahs in captivity.

And as they say, that’s all she wrote! From then on he became absolutely obsessed with cheetahs, and his love for them just grew and grew more each day.

Volker, who actually lives in the U.S. and does have a fulltime job, saves up ALL of his money and allocated vacation time so that he can pretty much spend all of his time off volunteering at The Cheetah Experience.

I think it’s safe to say he’s made A LOT of friends at the sanctuary, which includes a cheeky cheetah who goes by the name Eden. However, Volker admits that he was a little afraid to be SO close to the cheetahs at first.

He first got to know Eden when she approached him while he was taking a nap under a shady tree.

Eventually, Eden made the decision that she really liked Volker, and so decided to snuggle up next to him (SO. CUTE.), and because of that moment, they are now the best of friends. They cuddle together pretty much all the time now, and Volker even lets Eden lick and groom him.

Sometimes she gets a little naughty and will playfully nip at him but he says he’s used to her nibbles by now.

“True to Eden’s nature, she warmed up to me in days and ended up really liking me, so much so that I was able to trust her completely. The more she felt comfortable with me, the more she treated me just like another Cheetah which included the grooming, nibbling, biting, pacifying, purring, laying on me, and sleeping… cuddling up close to me. I’m amazed how much more interactive and affectionate Cheetahs are compared to the average domesticated cat,” Volker writes.

At just look at them both! She looks so peaceful and cozy snuggled into him! It’s honestly the most ridiculously adorable thing I’ve ever seen. And I am SO jealous. And not to mention the lack of fear Volker has now is just so unbelievable and inspirational! I mean, would YOU let a cheetah nibble your ear?

Of course, he admits that yes, it does hurt but he still indulges his beautiful feline friend anyway. I mean, who could say no to that face!? I 100% couldn’t.

“I had no idea Cheetahs were so special. I’ve fallen in love with them. It’s an incredible species that truly deserve help, support, and protection,” Volker says.

But this is exactly why Volker says he dedicates so much of his personal time to working with the cheetahs. In fact, he even has his own YouTube channel which is filled with videos of himself and all his cheetah friends.

He has become so close to cheetahs that he now calls himself “The Cheetah Whisperer.”, which is like just the coolest name ever.

He’s even got his own cheetah, as well as plans to establish his own non-profit cheetah breeding center in South Africa. The more the merrier right?

“I am the legal owner and guardian of Gabriel The Cheetah (pictured). He is the first member of my cheetah family to become a part of my breeding project. He is my foundation animal. I’ve known Gabriel since he was eight months old and we hit it off from week one. He will be five years old Aug of 2018. I have special plans for Gabriel and those that follow him to live a life close to freedom as possible and show them what it is like to be a cheetah,” says Volker.

You can watch Volker and his cuddle session with Eden in the video below.

What do you think folks? Could you do what Volker does? Have you ever had a nap with an exotic, wild animal before!? Well if you have I 100% want to know about it – let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to share this cuteness with yoir friends and family too! x

 

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