Have you ever thought about giving it all up and moving far, far away to do what you really want? It’s just a fantasy for most people — but Dean Schneider isn’t most people. He left his whole life behind to pursue his passion, and make the world a better place in the process.
Not that long ago, he was living in Europe.
The 26-year-old had a good job as a financial planner in his native Switzerland. But Dean was always passionate about animal welfare, and eventually he decided to step up and make a big change.
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He moved to South Africa.
After raising money by selling most of his stuff, he moved to South Africa and set up the Hakuna Mipaka wildlife preserve and charity to help injured and mutilated wild animals.
Hakuna Mipaka?
It means “no limits” in Swahili and derives from five core values, according to Schneider: freedom, loyalty, appreciation, brotherhood and boldness. It’s a philosophy that Dean endeavors to follow each and every day.
There are all kinds of animals.
From big predators like lions to scavengers like hyenas, no animal in need is shut out. Things are kept safe by separating problematic animals in separate enclosures.
It’s literally his life’s work.
He may have had a desk job in Switzerland, but working with these animals is clearly what Dean is most passionate about. After all, he’s moved thousands of miles to pursue it.
How did he get so passionate about animals?
On the Hakuna Mipaka site, he says he developed “an immense fascination for the animal world” at a very young age, and has always prioritized supporting animal protection organizations.
You can feel the love.
“Through this incredible love to animals, he learned to understand these wonderful creatures as well as gaining the ability to build a special bond with them,” the site notes . “Schneider’s heart belongs entirely to the Wildlife.”
It’s a multifaceted mission.
While the animals get a better life pretty much as soon as they arrive at Hakuna Mipaka, the organization is also dedicated to educating people about wildlife and the animal kingdom.
Changing hearts and minds.
Schneider outlines his general mission on the Hakuna Mipaka website, writing, “I believe in the power of knowledge, passion and visual stories in order to change peoples’ perceptions and save the wildlife.”
He’s living his dream.
It’s great if you can find something you’re truly passionate about in life that also benefits the greater good. Dean has clearly found this place in his life.
His Insta posts are awesome.
They paint a picture of Dean hanging out in the sun with a huge variety of animals, day after day. He has unique relationships with every one of them.
Things can get hectic.
The animals also interact in all sorts of interesting ways with each other. Dean shared one post of him trying to eat his breakfast as a monkey and raccoon battled for supremacy on the table.
It can be dirty work.
When you’re taking baths with elephants, things are bound to get a little messy. It might not be for everyone, but Dean certainly makes every day with these animals look like a blast.
His message is powerful.
To date, he’s racked up more than half a million followers on Instagram. His posts are frequent and they’re never bland — in fact, every one of them is a lesson.
Tell us what you think!
Could you ever drop everything, move away and pursue a dream like this? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check Dean out on Instagram and visit Hakuna Mipaka .
