One man and his rhino: Touching moment orphaned beast and the man who saved him lean in for a selfie

These touching photos show the incredible relationship between a man and the orphaned rhino he has looked after since it was just a baby.

One-year-old Ithuba gave Axel Tarifa, 23, a peck on the cheek to say thank you for all his efforts as the two leaned in for a selfie together in South Africa.

Ithuba arrived at the Thula Thula Private Game Reserve Safari Lodge's rhino orphanage when he was just five months after losing his parents.

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Ithuba arrived at the Thula Thula Private Game Reserve Safari Lodge's rhino orphanage when he was just five months after losing his parents

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One-year-old Ithuba gave Axel Tarifa, 23, a peck on the cheek to say thank you for all his efforts as the two leaned in for a selfie together in South Africa

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Quick nibble: After the amusing selfie picture, Ithuba even leaned over and and started to nibble on his handler's T-shirt, which made him smile

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Big smile: Axel has looked after Ithuba since he was just five months old and the pair have struck up an incredible bond

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Bold: Despite his size, Axel is entirely comfortable with Ithuba and isn't afraid to cuddle up next to him

Rhino handler Axel, from Paris, France, spent months looking after the young rhino, striking up an incredible bond with the huge animal - who would have been unable to fend for himself in the wild.

They are now so close that they even take selfies together - but Axel was knocked over when Ithuba tried to muscle his way into a shot during what supposed to be an individual picture.

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However, Axel appeared not to mind when his four-legged friend gave him a kiss, and even giggled when Ithuba attempted to nibble at his t-shirt.

Axel said: 'Baby rhinos are very playful, so I think he appreciated getting in on my selfies. Sometimes we'll be lying in the bush and he will try and steal my phone off of me.

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Cuddling up: Ithuba rests his heavy head on Axel as the two cuddle up in South Africa one afternoon

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Best of friends: This picture was taken when Ithuba was a little smaller, shortly after he arrived at the Thula Thula Private Game Reserve Safari Lodge's rhino orphanage

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The boys: Ithuba's horn could be considered dangerous but the pair have become such great friends that Axel feels he has nothing to fear from him

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Sleepy: Ithuba has an afternoon doze at the rhino orphanage, where he has been for the last seven months

'Ithuba was a very traumatised little rhino when he came to the orphanage at only five-months-old.

'It's a real blessing that we have such a strong bond, I love him to bits. Rhinos are an endangered species and to be able to work, bond and share a life with them is amazing.

'Ithuba grew up with me, but I definitely grew up with him too and I've learned a lot because of it.'