Forget about your best friend; this is the most wonderful companion a woman could have! This touching friendship between a lady and a CHEETAH will melt your heart.
During a holiday at Lapa Lange Lodge in Namibia, the lovely photos were taken by Julia and Jean Wimmerlin, from Switzerland.
The spotted cats were in a good mood as they raced about like kittens with their new buddy.
Julia, 39, said: “I love animals, especially big cats – I have two cats at home.
When I visited Namibia, meeting cheetahs was on my bucket list since they have one of the greatest concentrations in the wild.
“The lodge has three cheetahs that they received as orphans.
“Cheetahs were raised around humans as kittens and were permitted to walk freely about the property until they grew up.
These cheetahs have become accustomed to humans and are quite friendly, but they are wild animals nevertheless.
“It was in the middle of the afternoon when I captured them – they were extremely lethargic and wanted to relax in the shade.
But I figured that, like every cat, they’d be fun — and I was right.
I had a few feathers and a piece of string on me, so we utilized them to create a huge cat’s toy – it was fantastic.
“There were frightening moments when they would approach you at full speed, racing towards you with the intent of playing with your feathers – but that’s when you learn how strong these wild animals are.
Julia crouches down to take a picture of the cheetah.
The cheetahs were very calm and purred the majority of the time — they loved being petted and were very curious.
“While I sat with them, I dreamed of cheetahs – it was fantastic to watch them so close, to touch them, hear them, observe them eating and battling. Then you realized how fortunate you are not to be their pray!
“It was my first time seeing cheetahs, and I’d do it again anytime. “
“It was simply a pleasurable and lovely experience – being so close to these magnificent creatures is such a thrill.”