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According to CBS, Tarra and Bella began to strike a friendship when they first met at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee eight years ago.
The two later instantly formed a close bond with each other. Despite coming from different species and sizes, Tarra and Bella always spent their time in each otherโs company.
Tarra and Bella were very close that once, when Bella got injured a few years ago and had to recuperate in the sanctuary office, Tarra just stood patiently in a corner waiting for Bella to return.
Unfortunately, Bella was allegedly attacked by coyotes, leaving her severely injured. She later passed away.
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They never know whether Tarra did have time to intervene during the attack or she was just too late.
โThe idea that she couldnโt leave that body and brought it back home is just heartbreaking, but so inspiring,โ Robert Atkinson, CEO of the Elephant Sanctuary, told WKRN News 2.
However, Bellaโs sudden passing brought a huge shock to Tarra. โCertainly her whole demeanor changed,โ said Atkinson.
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Fortunately, other elephants in the sanctuary stepped in to offer comfort and sympathy to Tarra for her loss.
โThereโs nothing we can do to take away her pain,โ said Atkinson. โThe only ones who can help now are the elephants. And that is already happening.โ
Watch the video of Tarra and Bella here: