Cinematographer Garth De Bruno Austin was recently shooting a film on rhino poaching when one of the rhinos walked right up to him and waited to receive a belly rub, which Austin happily provided.
You can see Austin's surprise and joy in the video above as he gladly obliges. The rhino left his URSA Mini entirely undisturbed and showed a remarkable calmness around him, likely due to his ongoing presence:
Please note that I have been lucky enough to film this rhino for quite a few years and because of that have built up a level of trust. Do not try and do this with a truly wild rhino as it may end up with you being dead! FYI: I did not approach this animal; it was completely her decision to let me come into her personal space and touch her.
Of course, as Austin notes, it goes without saying that you should never attempt this yourself. Always show respect and be cautious around wild animals. Nonetheless, it's quite a heaping helping of cuteness that will hopefully brighten your Monday just a bit. Be sure to follow Austin on Instagram and check out his website to see his important work.
[via DIY Photography]
I read somewhere that more photographers are killed by rhinos than any other African animal. They see this big, glassy eye staring at them and charge on general principles.