Man cuddles with giant hyena – unusual friendship shocks the internet

In a heartwarming and surprising act of animal affection, a viral video has captured a remarkable bond between a man and a hyena. The footage, shared on Twitter by user @AMAZlNGNATURE, shows Dean Schneider, a passionate nature lover, having an extraordinary interaction with the hyena. The video, which has been viewed over 623,000 times, shows Schneider scratching and cuddling with the large, often misunderstood creature.

Dean Schneider, a nature lover, befriended a hyena. pic.twitter.com/0spRrjExD8

— Nature is amazing (@AMAZlNGNATURE) 24 August 2024

In the video, Schneider is seen gently stroking the hyena's fur as the animal responds with obvious satisfaction. The unusual scene has captivated viewers and sparked a range of reactions online. Schneider, known for his commitment to conservation and his efforts to promote positive relationships between humans and animals, has once again demonstrated his unique approach to connecting with the animal kingdom.

The viral post, captioned “Dean Schneider, a nature enthusiast, befriended a hyena,” quickly became a topic of discussion among animal lovers and social media users alike.

Comments from Internet users:

One user wrote: “This is incredible! I never thought I would see a hyena so relaxed around humans. Dean Schneider is amazing!”

Another said: “Such a touching moment! It's great to see someone who really cares about wildlife and builds trust with these animals.”

A third user commented: “Wow, hyenas are usually portrayed as aggressive. This video completely changes that perception. Kudos to Dean for showing a different side of them.”

Someone else noted, “Dean Schneider's bond with animals is truly inspiring. It's heartwarming to see interactions like this that break stereotypes.”

Another follower noted: “This video is both mesmerizing and adorable. It's clear that there is a lot of mutual respect between Dean and the hyena.”

One viewer wrote: “I am impressed with how calm and gentle Dean is with the hyena. This is a great example of how understanding and patience can lead to amazing connections with wildlife.”