As the boatman guided the canoe to shore so we could disembark and begin walking back, we looked up to the top of the bank. We saw this looking back at us, waiting to come down the steep track to cross the river.
I had my eye on the fallen tree and had worked out what I'd do if the rhinoceros began moving. It watched as the guide and I walked up the big trunk to a safe position and the boatman had taken the canoe out into the current.
Then it moved.
[22 March 2007, Canon 20D, 300 mm f4 L IS, ISO 400, 1/800 at f5.6]
All content © 2011 Pete McGregor
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4 comments:
It looks even more extraordinary here.
I'd always thought Kipling had drawn a very strange-looking rhinoceros until I saw yesterday's photo. I hadn't seen any other images of an Indian one before then.
What a fabulous experience, being so close! And did YOU have a hat from which the rays of the sun were reflected in more-than-oriental splendour?
Happened upon a show* about these guys, showed two mating. Awkward, since he fell off, onto his side in a completely undignified manner. Pure comedy.
*Rhino:Built to Last.
What a powerful portrait.
I am especially struck by your very vulnerable viewpoint.
Ouch!
Lesley, these rhinos certainly are strange, and markedly different in appearance from the African species. And no, I didn't have such a fabulous hat at the time, although I do now, thanks to a generous friend :^)
Zhoen, that sounds hilarious. Kind of confirms my preconceptions about rhinos being lumbering and clumsy (probably unfair, but sometimes looks are hard to get past).
RR, we were probably safer than it appears. It seemed to be waiting until we were out of the way, and I'm sure if the other canoe hadn't kicked up such a fuss it would have crossed the river without causing any harm — the occupants of the canoe would have had a great view, too. Still, I suppose the guides can't take risks.
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