There are those who have such a profound love for animals that they would go to any length to be close to them.
Dolph C. Volker is one such individual.
A passionate animal lover with a degree in zoology, Volker’s life took a turn when he witnessed his first dog pass away in his arms.
This experience deepened his respect and compassion for all life.
Volker’s love for animals led him to become an advocate for their well-being.
He began volunteering at the Cheetah Experience in South Africa, a sanctuary dedicated to raising awareness about endangered species and ethically breeding cheetahs in captivity.
This experience sparked a particular fascination in Volker for cheetahs.
Despite having a full-time job in the U.S., Volker saves all his money and vacation time to volunteer at The Cheetah Experience.
It was during one of these volunteering stints that he formed a special bond with a cheetah named Eden.
Initially, Volker was apprehensive about getting too close to the cheetahs.
However, Eden approached him while he was napping under a tree and decided she liked him.
Eden’s friendly approach marked the beginning of a unique friendship.
She began to snuggle up with Volker, and they would often cuddle together.
Volker even allowed Eden to groom him, which sometimes involved a bit of nibbling.
Despite the occasional nips, Volker grew accustomed to Eden’s behavior and they became the best of friends.
Volker was amazed by Eden’s affectionate nature.
He found her to be more interactive and affectionate than most domesticated cats.
Eden would often lay on him, purr, and sleep cuddled up close to him.
Volker found these interactions incredibly endearing, even when Eden would bite his ear, which he admits was painful.
Volker’s experiences with Eden deepened his love for cheetahs.
He realized how special these creatures are and felt a strong desire to help, support, and protect them.
This led him to dedicate a significant portion of his time to working with cheetahs, earning him the title of “The Cheetah Whisperer.”
Volker’s commitment to cheetahs extends beyond just volunteering.
He has plans to establish his own non-profit cheetah breeding center in South Africa.
He is also the legal owner and guardian of Gabriel The Cheetah, who is the first member of his cheetah family and part of his breeding project.
Volker has known Gabriel since he was eight months old, and they have shared a strong bond from the beginning.
Volker has special plans for him and the cheetahs that will follow him. He aims to provide them with life as close to freedom as possible and show them what it’s like to be a cheetah.
His story is a testament to the incredible bonds that can form between humans and animals, reminding us of the importance of respecting and protecting all life.
Watch this heartwarming friendship in the video below!
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