Tarra and Bella: A Match Made in Ele-Heaven

Tarra the elephant and Bella the dog; best friends at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. With no human encouragement, Tarra adopted this stray dog on her own several years ago, and the two are now inseparable. Their inspiring, "odd couple" story was recently featured on CBS News and in "Bark" magazine. For more information about the Elephant Sanctuary, please visit http://www.elephants.com

Footnote: Since Bella and Tarra's recent television exposure, a lot of people have asked how the spinal injury happened. When Bella was found in a shallow ravine in the elephant habitat, unable to walk, she was rushed to the veterinary hospital. X-rays revealed that she had sustained a spinal injury. The absence of deep tissue damage and puncture wounds led the veterinarian to surmise that Bella's spinal injury was the result of an awkward twist, most likely sustained when she was running and jumping over something. The good news is that Bella has recovered from her injury.

UPDATE: Sadly, Bella has passed away. Please visit the following pages for more information on Bella:
Bella's tribute page: http://bit.ly/Bella_Tribute
Slideshow in honor of Bella: http://bit.ly/u1oFcG
Goodbye to Bella: http://bit.ly/vbbGNG

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Tarra
• Bella
• dog
• Elephant
• Sanctuary
• Tennessee
• The
• Animal
• Odd
• Couple
• CBS
• Steve
• Hartman
• Assignment
• America
• Pet

[dixiecuddles]

this is so cool sorry she dies how is Terra doing

[elephantsanctuarytn]

@dixiecuddles Thank you for asking about Tarra's wellbeing. Like anyone who grieves, she’s been a little more reserved lately, but her elephant sisters are taking good care of her! You can read more about her progress in our last few Ele-Notes postings: elephants[dot]com/eleNotes.php

[KobeMVP4life]

Whats the song in this video?

[elephantsanctuarytn]

@KobeMVP4life This is a licensed stock music piece called "Sunsets We No Longer Share."

[TheKneehole]

Rest in Peace Bella...I just read the news and how it is believed that Tarra moved Bella's body closer to the barn. I followed Tarra and Bella and I'm sad to see Bella gone and Tarra missing her best friend. Where do yall plan to bury Bella or will yall cremate her??..I'm just wondering because I'm sure yall will do something very special and Tarra will be a part of it. These two really showed that no matter how different..it matters whats in your heart. <3

[elephantsanctuarytn]

@TheKneehole Thank you for your kind words and support. We had a burial ceremony with a handful of Caregivers and other staff. She was laid to rest in the spot where she and Tarra were last spotted together. It’s an area in the Asian habitat called Marcella's. Tarra chose not to participate in her burial. You can read more about the day in our Nov. 3, 2011 Ele-Diary: elephants[dot]com/elediary.php

[ArielXx610]

R.I.P Bella <3

[esquibelle]

Rest in Peace, beautiful Bella.

Tarra will be so sad. Your love story is so inspiring.

I hope you meet again in Heaven.

[lafalotTT]

Simply Beautiful... and I wish Bella and Tarra together again.

[msharvell]

@coliwood Hmm.. She doesn't look fat to me. This is an Asian elephant, and they tend to have rounder bodies and their backs are shaped differently. Maybe you saw African elephants. They have a longer, leaner appearance and much bigger ears.

[LegoPatapon]

I'm a firm atheist, but this story almost made me believe in God.

[dixiecuddles]

@jhoey032965 me too I cryed all day after finding out about it

[dixiecuddles]

@leda1974 so true so sad

[dixiecuddles]

@elephantsanctuarytn your welcome just so you know I cryed all day and couldnt stop I was so sad about bella and felt so bad for poor Tarra losing her best friend I really think its so sweet how the elephants have immediatly tryed to fill that viod and take care of her it just shows that animals truly have feelings. When we put my cat down when I was 20 my dog walked around with his tale between his legs for days they played so well together he was a big lab.. please keep all posted we all care!

[jhoey032965]

THIS IS SO AMAZING HOW AN ELEPHANT & A DOG BE SUCH A GOOD GOOD FRIENDS....I'M SO TOUCH BY THIS TWO...I CAN ONLY WISH THAT THEY MAYBE TOGETHER FOREVER....I'M SO SAD ABOUT THE DEATH OF BELLA!!!!!!!!!