Dolph Volker was in South Africa to volunteer at Cheetah Experience, a sanctuary, and breeding center for these big, fast, and sad to say, endangered cats. Cheetahs can go from zero to sixty in only three seconds, so you definitely wouldn’t want to be chased by one. But how about a nap under a tree?
After just a few days, a cheetah named Eden made friends with Volker. “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.”
As the cheetah licks the side of his head, Volker quips, “There’s nothing pleasant about that. The ear’s also bad. My scalp’s… Numb.” You see, just like house cats, cheetahs’ tongues are covered in barbs, but on a larger scale! “Cheetahs LOVE to groom and nibble and it helps in bonding with them if you let them. It still hurt and I got slightly bloodied on my face, lips, chin, and ears, but it’s what I allowed to happen in order to bond with her.”
After a few more attempted nibbles, Eden the cheetah settles down, curling up next to her human friend to enjoy a nap in the shade. She just keeps on purring, purring and purring.
Check out this video of a magnificent cheetah snuggling up with her human friend for a siesta under a tree and let us know what you think in the comments at Facebook. Don’t forget to like and share!
