There are mornings that begin with an alarm clock and a cup of tea, and others that leave you blinking in disbelief. For one wildlife photographer in South Africa, waking up meant realising he was not alone under the tree where he had fallen asleep. Curled beside him, perfectly at ease, was a fully grown cheetah enjoying an impromptu nap.
Volunteering With A Purpose
For Dolph Volker, working with animals was never just a job. Like many people, his connection to wildlife deepened after personal loss. When his dog died, he found himself searching for a way to turn grief into something meaningful. That search eventually led him to volunteer at Cheetah Experience, a sanctuary dedicated to protecting threatened big cats.
Facilities like this play a crucial role in wildlife conservation, particularly in countries such as South Africa where habitat loss and poaching continue to threaten vulnerable species. According to organisations like the World Wildlife Fund, cheetah populations have declined dramatically over the past century, making sanctuaries and education programmes more important than ever.
A Nap Unlike Any Other
The unforgettable encounter happened on an ordinary working day. After hours spent outdoors in the heat, Dolph sought shade beneath a tree, planning nothing more ambitious than a short nap. What he did not realise was that he had chosen a resting spot already approved by one of the sanctuary’s residents.
A young cheetah named Eden quietly approached and, rather than keeping her distance, settled beside him. Gentle nudges brought Dolph back to consciousness, and when he opened his eyes, he found himself face to face with a relaxed predator, breathing steadily and showing no signs of alarm.
Moments like this are rare, even in controlled environments. Experts from conservation groups often stress that human animal trust is built slowly and depends on consistency, respect and calm behaviour. Eden’s choice to lie down beside him spoke volumes.
Capturing An Extraordinary Moment
Fortunately, Dolph’s camera was close at hand. Still half stunned, he managed to record the interaction as Eden nuzzled against him, offered playful nips and even licked his arm. The images show a softer side of an animal usually associated with speed and strength.
These recordings quickly gained attention, not because they were sensational, but because they revealed a side of cheetahs few people ever see. The footage became a powerful example of ethical wildlife photography, where observation and respect take precedence over intrusion.
Becoming A Voice For Cheetahs
Over time, Dolph has become something of an ambassador for the species. Through talks, social media and online videos, he explains cheetah behaviour and the challenges they face in the wild. Conservation organisations regularly highlight the value of such personal storytelling in raising awareness and support.
Cheetahs remain among the most endangered big cats in Africa, with shrinking territories and human conflict posing ongoing threats. Sharing real experiences helps bridge the gap between distant conservation statistics and emotional understanding.
A Quiet Lesson In Respect
Looking back, Dolph describes the experience not as thrilling, but humbling. It reinforced why he chose this path in the first place: to protect animals while allowing them to remain themselves.
Encounters like this remind us that endangered species are not symbols or spectacles, but living beings capable of trust when treated with care. It is a powerful argument for conservation built not on fear or fantasy, but on patience, respect and coexistence.
