Garth De Bruno Austin was shooting a conservation film about rhino poaching in SA, when a wild Rhino suddenly approached and requested belly rubs from him.
Garth De Bruno Austin is a South African Cinematographer that realised his passion for film at a very young age. He was born in Nelspruit but his family moved to Australia in 2006. It was while he was there that he studied in the field.
Once Garth qualified he moved back to South Africa and began working. He worked on a few BBC shows, ‘How To Grow A Planet’ and ‘Natures Miracle Orphans’. His love of Rhino conservation was born while filming a seven episode web-series for Care for Wild Africa, the world’s largest rhino orphanage.
Recently while filming out in the bush he had a once in a lifetime opportunity. He was approached by a wild Rhino and asked to provide the perfect belly rubs.
“If a rhino walks straight up to you while you’re filming and wants some rubs… you better rub that rhino like your life depends on it!,”
Garth has spent years filming the Rhino so while it is rare that a Rhino would approach a person, they have developed a relationship 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.”
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