User submission

Meet Dolph, A Man Who Became Best Friends With A Wild Cheetah

While most of us would be scared for our lives, Dolph Volker, a volunteer at the Cheetah Experience Breeding Centre in South Africa, has managed to make friends with… a cheetah. Dolph first met Gabriel, the cheetah he now legally owns, when the wild animal was just eight months old and they formed a special bond. Now, Dolph can leave Africa for more than a year, and Gabriel still greets him with hugs and friendly licks. Dolph has managed to hand-feed the cheetah and spend the entire night sleeping next to him out in the open.

Originally, Dolph came to South Africa to work on establishing a non-profit captive cheetah breeding project there. He wants to raise cubs with their mom, exercise and train them to hunt, rewild, and then release them.

More info: Facebook | cheetahexperience.com | youtube.com

Meet Dolph, the “cheetah whisperer”

Meet Dolph, A Man Who Became Best Friends With A Wild Cheetah

Meet Dolph, A Man Who Became Best Friends With A Wild Cheetah

Meet Dolph, the “cheetah whisperer”

Here’s Gabriel, the cheetah that Dolph has managed to befriend

Gabriel always greets Dolph with friendly kisses

The buddies have even managed to sleep together through the night without Dolph getting injured

Dolph first met Gabriel the cheetah on his trip to Africa for a non-profit breeding project

The project’s goal is to raise cubs with their mom, train them to hunt, and then release them into the wild

Despite the close bond he has formed with Gabriel over the years, Dolph remains aware of the dangers that come with interacting with a predator of this kind

“Cheetahs can’t speak English so I have to read behavior to understand their moods. If they want to be left alone, they let you know by actions,” Dolph wrote on Facebook

Kudos to Dolph for achieving such a unique friendship and working towards breeding more happy and safe cheetahs

Explore more of these tags

Hidrėlėy

Hidrėlėy

Rokas J.

Rokas J.

50 Times This Wildlife Photographer Captured Nature In All Its Untamed Glory

Stray Pups Refuse To Be Rescued Separately, Melt Hearts With Their Love And Loyalty For One Another

27 Hilarious Moments Caught On Camera, As Shared By “Important Animal Images” (New Pics)

I Made 24 Silly, Snarky, And Slightly Relatable Pet Comics

78 Jaw-Dropping Action Shots Of Dogs By Claudio Piccoli

Puppies With Rubber Ties Around Their Mouths Can’t Contain Their Happiness After Spotting Rescuers

40 Wildlife Photographers Who Got Ambushed By Their Subjects In Hilarious Ways

45 Doggone Adorable Doggos Just Out For A Hike With Their Owners

Hey Pandas, Share A Photo Of Your Dog Smiling

Chicago Rescue Seeks Community Support For Celebration Of Life Gala And Silent Auction

Man Built A Cat Cam To Track His Pet, What It Captured Is Pure Gold

"Off The Leash": 38 Funny Comics That Most Dog Owners Might Relate To (New Pics)

This Guy Makes Retro-Inspired Cat Beds Recycling Old Electronics

What Butterflies Teach Us About Transformation And Growth

Hey Pandas, Who’s Guiding Your Relationship Decisions: LOTR Or Buddha? (Closed)

Joe Neely’s 26 Latest Wildlife Photos Prove The Best Moments Are Never Planned

If You're Having A Rough Day, This Raccoon's Bond With His German Shepherd Dad Might Lift You Up