Story of true friendship

[jdubfan]

For the past 4 years I've been a supporter of a rescue facility in Hohenwald, TN that takes in elephants removed from mis-treatment at circuses, zoos, private owners, etc. This place is called the Elephant Sanctuary. They have 2000+ acres where the eles are well-cared for and allowed to come and go as they wish. They are considered retired, so there is no public allowed, their performing days are over.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6297013096_75c67db89e.jpg

The first elephant was called Tarra and other elephants were brought in too. About 8 yrs ago, a little white dog showed up and declared herself rescued too, and she was named Bella. Tarra and Bella's friendship grew so much, the bond, trust and inter-species friendship made the news, CBS Sunday Morning had an exceptionally well-done piece by Steve Hartman that stole many a heart, making them international stars: “They harbor no fears, no secrets, no prejudices. Just two living creatures who somehow managed to look past their immense differences.” Steve Hartman, CBS Evening News

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6296482549_d9ed618a80.jpg

Bella so trusted her big friend that she would often nap in the shade Tarra made, allow her to stroke with her big foot for tummy rubs, and let her run her trunk along her body.

Something happened last Monday night and Bella was missing. There was a search for 2 days, then the next day they found her crumpled little body next to the barn the asian elephants shared with Bella. The authorities investigated and believe she was attacked by coyotes, and believe, because of blood on tarra's trunk, that she had been brought there by her bff as the last act one friend could do for another...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6296483349_08b34bb867.jpg

So, I mourn with a big elephant I'll never meet, over a little dog I'll never know, because this was the finest example of true friendship I've ever seen. And it took "dumb" animals to teach me a life lesson.

[sodascouts]

Very moving, Deb.

[Annabel]

Awwww that's so sad. :( I only recently saw a clip about Bella and Tarra via FB. An odd but very cute and devoted couple. RIP Bella.

[Prettymaid]

Deb, I just looked up the website for the elephant sanctuary. It's nice to know there is a place like this. As far as Bella's death, I know too well what you are feeling. This past April just as I was becoming attached to a web cam with nesting bald eagles, the female was killed by an airplane. Many viewers, including me, mourned the loss of that bird. But her legacy lives on in her offspring and in the thousands of people who have gotten an education in wildlife because of her story.

The dawn of the webcam has made it possible for these kinds of places to teach thousands of children in classrooms and others while never having to leave their facility. The animals do not have to endure people walking by taking photos. They simply live their lives not knowing how many people are tuning in to watch with fascination. It's truly a win/win.

So while Bella's death is sad, her story is a happy one. She lived out her final years educating many who would otherwise have never known about the elephant sanctuary or about this amazing friendship.

[TimothyBFan]

What an amazing story. So sorry it has a sad ending. But, like PM said, at least there has been attention brought to this and maybe others will donate now and more can be saved.

[Brooke]

Awwww, what a bittersweet story. Thanks jdfan.

[jdubfan]

Original story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBtFTF2ii7U


CBS News sent Steve Hartman back to TN to cover the sad development

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57319021/tarra-and-bella-elephant-loses-mans-best-friend/?tag=strip

[Koala]

What a story, so sorry that it ended so sad!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Awww - as Brooke said ... such a bittersweet story. Thanks for posting it Deb because I had not heard about it before.