Tarra and Bella: The Elephant and Her Best Friend

This is about an A2 level.

In a large sanctuary in Tennessee, USA, lives an elephant named Tarra. Tarra is not just any elephant—she had a best friend named Bella, who was a dog. Their friendship was very special, and it touched the hearts of many people around the world.

Tarra and Bella met at the sanctuary where Tarra lived. Bella was a stray dog that wandered into the sanctuary one day. From the moment they met, Tarra and Bella became inseparable. They spent all their time together, walking, playing, and even sleeping side by side.

The workers at the sanctuary were amazed by their strong bond. They would see Tarra gently picking Bella up with her trunk, helping her reach places she couldn’t on her own. Bella, in return, loved to run around Tarra’s big legs and rest by her side. Even though Tarra was a big elephant and Bella was a small dog, they were the best of friends.

Sadly, Bella passed away a few years ago. Tarra was very sad, but she never forgot her friend. The story of Tarra and Bella shows us that true friendship can happen between the most unlikely pairs. Their friendship reminds us that love and kindness have no size or shape.

Vocabulary

Grammar Focus

Discussion Questions

  1. How do you feel about the friendship between Tarra and Bella?
  2. Do you believe animals can feel emotions like humans do?
  3. What other interesting animal friendships have you heard of?
  4. How do you think animals communicate their feelings to each other?
  5. What do you think makes a strong friendship?
  6. Why do you think people are fascinated by stories of animal friendships?
  7. Have you ever witnessed a unique friendship between animals in real life?
  8. Do you believe that animals understand the concept of friendship?
  9. How do you think animals cope with the loss of a friend?
  10. What is your favourite animal, and why?
  11. What are the most unusual animals you’ve ever heard of?
  12. Have you ever learned something surprising about an animal’s behaviour?

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