A Swiss financier who left behind a successful career to care for lions in South Africa has shared captivating images of his remarkable connection with the wild animals.
Dean Schneider, 27, once thriving in the business world, traded his corporate life for a passion project in wildlife advocacy.
Now living in a wildlife sanctuary that he runs in South Africa, he frequently shares stunning videos and photos of his interactions with lions and other wild animals on Instagram.
One striking video shows Schneider calmly greeting three lions as they charge out of tall grass, playfully knocking him down.
Despite their size and strength, he remains unfazed. “I wouldn’t call it playing with lions,” Schneider explains. “It’s more about living with them and being part of their pride.”
While there’s an element of fun involved, Schneider stresses that it’s not just about play. “There are serious moments, and it’s important to recognize that interacting with lions isn’t something to take lightly,” he adds. “It’s not a good idea for anyone to play with lions.”
Despite regularly spending time with these powerful animals, Schneider says he’s never afraid. “Fear is the last thing you should show around lions. We only fear what we don’t understand. I know how they think and communicate, so I’m never scared, even when they accidentally hurt me. It’s just part of spending time with them.”
However, Schneider warns that his experiences are unique to his particular situation. “You can’t do this in the wild,” he clarifies. “In the wild, lions or hyenas would kill you if they perceived you as a threat, regardless of whether they were captive.”
Schneider’s bond with the animals developed naturally without formal training. “They see me as a brother, part of their family,” he says.
“I’m not an authority figure to them. I can’t command them to sit or follow instructions. I just live with them.”
According to Schneider, the key to his relationship with the lions lies in communication, which is mostly non-verbal. “Everything is about body language. Even subtle movements, like shifting your eyes, send a message. Understanding their signals and responding appropriately is essential.”
He admires the intelligence of lions, describing how they simplify complex situations and devise strategies to achieve their goals. “They’re incredibly strategic when they hunt or make decisions. It’s fascinating to witness their thought process in action.”
Schneider also sees a deep sense of order and fairness within lion prides. “Every member knows their role and sticks to it. There’s a clear structure, and no one oversteps their boundaries. It’s something we humans could learn from.”
Beyond sharing his experiences with lions, Schneider is dedicated to educating people about the animal kingdom. His social media presence serves as a platform to inspire and raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
Running his sanctuary, Hakuna Mipaka Oasis comes with significant financial challenges. “Maintaining the sanctuary is expensive, from building enclosures to feeding the animals and covering veterinary costs,” he explains. One of his current projects involves expanding the lions’ habitat by converting 300 hectares of his property into a space where they can hunt and live more freely. However, this requires building a second fence to meet regulations.
Despite the costs and challenges, Schneider is content with leaving finance behind. “Making money is fun, but it only brings temporary happiness. Building something meaningful, something that makes a difference, brings lasting fulfillment,” he reflects.
Schneider’s commitment to wildlife advocacy has become his life’s purpose, and he remains dedicated to sharing his journey and mission with the world.
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