Statistics say we have already lost 43% of African lions and are on our way losing all the elephants within our lifetime because of poaching and loss of habitat. Luckily enough, there are people who love animals so much, that they just can’t stay away from the poaching crisis. In 2017 Dean Schneider, a successful young man from Switzerland, quit his job, sold everything he had, and moved to Africa with a mission to help animals in need.

Here at Bright Side we’ve learned more about Dean’s life changing decision and the remarkable rescue work he’s done so far.

He gave up a promising career, and sold everything he had to help animals in Africa.

The 400 hectares the sanctuary occupies are protected by 6 armed security guards who keep the poachers away, and those animals who were lucky enough to get into Hakuna Mipaka find themselves in heaven. Every animal that enters the sanctuary is examined by a vet and given the necessary treatments. Instead of living in cages, the animals enjoy spacious camps with trees, grass, and natural soil.

The animals that Dean and his team have rescued so far include a lion named Dexter, who was taken from the dreadful conditions of a lion breeder, and turned out to be the cutest cat, and a hyena named Chuckie who’s extremely friendly despite the scary reputation of hyenas. The sanctuary is also home for many other species like raccoons, monkeys, snakes, iguanas, and cheetahs, just to name a few.

Apart from saving animals and taking care of them, Dean is on a mission to educate people and make them aware of the dangers these lovely creatures face because of humans. He posts educational videos about wildlife on a regular basis to “bring animals into people’s hearts.”

“My mission is to reach as many people as possible and educate them about wildlife and the beauty of the animal kingdom. I believe in the power of knowledge, passion, and visual stories in order to change peoples’ perceptions and save the wildlife,” says Dean.

What do you think of Dean’s decision to leave everything behind and devote his life to helping animals in need?