When most people spot a cheetah, their first instinct would probably be to run as far away from them as possible. However, wildlife photographers will just do the exact opposite, just like Dolph C. Volker who has been a huge animal lover for his entire life. The man, who holds a zoology degree, is an avid photographer and his job is the best way to bring both of his passions together.

Volker always had a unique wish: to sleep with a cheetah.

It’s a pretty weird wish or dream to have, but cheetahs are incredibly special animals for the man. His stance on animals changed drastically after his first pet died. He calls it an event that changed the direction of his life forever.

“Began after watching my first dog die in my arms. It changed me. All life has greater meaning now. Consistent repetitive, compassion, love, and respect,” the man told on YouTube.

And cheetahs, in particular, hold a very special place in the man’s heart. He became so attached to them after he volunteered for The Cheetah Experience in South Africa, which is a non-profit animal organization. The members over there hope to provide cheetahs with a safe haven and a sanctuary, and they also raise awareness for the illegal practices against cheetahs. After all, the majority is held captive for illegal breeding and they’re considered to be an endangered species.

The sanctuary has become Volker’s second home: he spends as many vacations as possible over there.

In fact, he’s even befriended most of the cheetahs who are running around over there and knows all of them by name. Eden is most definitely his favorite four-footer, and the bond they share is absolutely undeniable. However, it did take a while before Eden en Dolph managed to get along because the man was (understandably) quite afraid to even approach her at first.

Luckily, it was actually Eden that took the first step.

The animal approached Volker while he was taking a nap under a tree.

He woke up as she came closer – but instead of trying to run away to safety, he decided to let the cheetah come closer to him and bond with him. All Eden wanted to do was to take a nap with him – close and warm.

From that very moment, their special friendship started and these two became practically inseparable at the sanctuary. Dolph even lets Eden lick his hand, even though it sometimes hurts because of her sharp tongue and her tendency to give small bites as a sign of affection.

“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 said.

Of course, the man took every opportunity he got to showcase his special relationship with Eden via his camera.

And this wildlife photographer definitely has some amazing shots of himself and his four-footed friend. Just look at these two taking a nap together and cuddling, it’s simply too adorable!

Cheetahs are Volker’s life project, and he truly is making a difference for the species. He’s currently starting a non-profit and legal breeding center in the area to prevent their extinction. He’s also guardian and the owner of another cheetah in the sanctuary named Gabriel.

“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,” he said.

As for Eden, be sure to check out the amazing video of them napping below.

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Source: Dolph. C Volker