Jul 4, 2024 · In South Africa, a female cheetah spotted a dozing photographer and decided to curl up next to him for a nap. This heartwarming encounter was a testament to the bond between humans and wildlife, particularly when both share mutual respect and understanding.

Jan 5, 2025 · What he didn’t expect was to wake up with Eden, a curious cheetah, curled up beside him. Eden, intrigued by Dolph’s presence, decided to rest alongside him, nudging and leaning against him as if he were part of her environment.

Oct 29, 2024 · Imagine taking a nap under the shade of a tree after a long day under the African sun, only to awaken to find a wild cheetah curled up beside you. This isn’t a scene from a movie or a fictional tale—it’s the real-life experience of wildlife photographer and animal lover Dolph Volker during his volunteer work at a sanctuary in South Africa.

Sep 23, 2024 · Taking a break from the relentless heat, he found a shady spot under a tree for a quick nap, only to wake up to something extraordinary—a cheetah, peacefully curled up beside him, using his arm as a pillow.

Feb 26, 2025 · Imagine settling down for a nap beneath the cool shade of a sprawling tree after a long day in the sun, only to awaken and find a wild cheetah peacefully curled up beside you. This might sound like a scene from a movie, but for one dedicated wildlife photographer, it became an unforgettable reality.

Dec 31, 2024 · Eden, a young cheetah known for her curious and affectionate demeanor, had quietly approached him. Deciding that Dolph’s calm presence made for the perfect resting spot, she curled up beside him for her own nap.

Dec 2, 2024 · You know those moments when life throws you an utterly unexpected surprise, like stumbling upon a street musician whose song stops you in your tracks? Well, imagine dozing off under a tree and waking up to find a wild cheetah curled up next to you.

While volunteering at the “Cheetah Experience,” a sanctuary dedicated to protecting these endangered animals, Dolph encountered one of the rarest interactions a human could have with a wild predator: he awoke from a nap under a tree to find a …

May 5, 2024 · He found solace under a tree, not knowing that he would soon share his makeshift bed with a curious cheetah named Eden. As he slept, Eden approached him, likely intrigued by his presence, and decided to settle next to him for a nap.

She was curled up in a tiny ball of spotty fur (her spots, even visible on the thermal camera!). Occasionally she’d stand up, stretch and reposition to get the ‘cool side of the pillow’.