The rhino who refused to go quietly: Jeep full of rangers trying to sedate injured beast feel the full force of his anger
This injured and exceedingly grumpy black rhino didn't take too kindly to park rangers' efforts to sedate him.
The one-ton beast charged their jeep in Nairobi National Park as they tried to get close enough to safely shoot a tranquiliser through its thick hide.
Refusing to go down without a fight the rhino, which can charge at speeds of up to 30mph, repeatedly crashed its horn into the side of the vehicle and tried to push it over.
Spotted: The injured black rhino is on alert after sighting the rangers in Nairobi National Park
To the point: The rhino suggests the rangers leave the vicinity - in no uncertain terms
Wildlife photographer, Paulo Torchio, 49, from Turin, witnessed the explosive force of this angry rhino while visiting the park in Kenya.
'I was on a tour of the park - when I saw a car full of rangers observing this black rhino,' explained Paulo.
'They told me about their mission to sedate and treat the injured rhino - so I set myself up on the top of a hill with a 500mm lens.
'This was far enough away not to interfere with their delicate job.
Battering ram: The rhino uses all its one ton weight to try and shove the jeep out of the picture
'I saw them approach the rhino - but suddenly the beast hurried across the plain to confront the jeep.
'Without thinking twice it charged the car.
'During the commotion the vet somehow managed to dart the rhino - and they drove away at full speed.'
The proud animal stood tall - looking back at its fleeing opponents before gently falling to sleep.
The rangers soon returned with the vet who was able to treat the animal - now sleeping like a baby - on the spot.
Paulo has a particular love of Nairobi National Park because of the unique way it provides a haven for the rare black rhino - yet remains amazingly close to the heart of Kenya's sprawling capital city - it is only five miles away.
Down at last: The beast is felled eventually, allowing a doctor to go in safely and treat its wounds
'This park is one of the few national parks in the world to border a large metropolitan area,' he said.
'The park is only fenced on the side that faces the city - to avoid unexpected encounters between humans and wildlife.
'It is also one of the few breeding centres for the black rhino - which was almost driven to extinction by uncontrolled poaching in the 1980's.'
The chance to witness real life events such as this black rhino encounter inspired Paulo to become a professional wildlife photographer.
'Since I was very young I've always loved these kind of great animals,' said Paulo.
'Kenya is a paradise for wildlife - so to capture wildlife in pictures is natural for me.
'In 2002 I first got my work published in a magazine - that was the most exciting moment I can remember.' There are 3,600 black rhino left in the wild.
They grow up to five foot five inches tall and can live to be 40 years old.
Although they do have a temper, black rhinos are strict vegetarians and eat more than 220 different species of plant.
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