The Elephant and the Dog
The Story of Bella and Tarra
If you have followed me for any length of time, you know that I love the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN. It was founded in 1995 and is the nation's largest natural habitat refuge developed specifically for endangered African and Asian elephants. You can watch the elephants in their natural habitat on the Elecam here.
Today I write in memoriam but not of the passing of an elephant. We are mourning Bella - the beloved dog-companion of Tarra. Perhaps you witnessed their devotion to one another on the CBS Evening news or even on Oprah. The uncommon bond between an elephant and a dog taught us that even we can be friends in spite of our differences if they could. You can watch the CBS segment here.
The Sanctuary sent us an email that preceded the press release and as soon as I wiped my tears, I wanted to share their story. The press release told us how Bella's body was found. The dog had been badly wounded by coyotes, and yet, in spite of her fatal wounds, Bella's body was located near the barn where she lived with her companion, Tarra, and five other elephants. It seemed impossible that she could have made it "home" alone.
As the caregivers were watching Tarra and encouraging her to "visit the body" so she could properly mourn her friend, they noticed some of Bella's blood on Tarra's trunk. The pieces of the puzzle came together and given that Tarra didn't want to revisit her friend, the caregivers were able to see the whole picture.
Elephants always mourn over the bodies of their beloved companions. The Sanctuary said that all of the evidence indicated that Tarra had already mourned her friend's passing for many hours before they even knew and dealt with the death of her companion on her own. Tarra had either witnessed Bella being attacked by coyotes or she came upon Bella and found her lifeless body.
The elephant then picked up her beloved friend and carried her all the way back to the barn. It is the only explanation for Bella being back by the barn.
You can see Bella and Tarra and the life they enjoyed together at the Elephant Sanctuary here.
Last October, we said goodbye to one of the elephants. Her name was Lottie and you can read about her here.
The Sanctuary is a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit and welcomes your donations.
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Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
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54 Comments
Post a CommentThis is such a wonderful article - thanks:)
You really bring out the best in everything you write. Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So touching and well told, Michele. A recent video of a lioness caring for a baby antelope in the wild comes to mind. Strange bed fellows indeed! - siva
Wow. I got chill bumps when I read this. How amazing these animal friendships can be! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing this story of friendship in the animal kingdom - it makes me more aware of the sensitive nature of our four-footed fellow inhabitants on this planet Earth. rcj
Very sad, I'm teary.
RIP Bella
Aww. That is so sad. Thanks for the report.
Awe, so sad! What a cool companionship bewteen two totally different animals. I love them both, but I would hate to pay the monthly grocery bill for maintaining an elephant.
Elephants are such amazing creatures! Thanks for this heartwarming story!