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
Sanctuary – A safe place where animals are protected and cared for.
Synonyms: Refuge, Haven
Example Sentences:
The sanctuary takes care of animals that need help.
Many animals live peacefully in the sanctuary.
Question: Have you ever visited an animal sanctuary?
Inseparable – When two people or animals are always together and never apart.
Synonyms: Unbreakable, Close
Example Sentences:
Tarra and Bella were inseparable friends.
The two sisters were inseparable when they were young.
Question: Do you have a friend you are inseparable from?
Bond – A strong connection or feeling of friendship between people or animals.
Synonyms: Connection, Tie
Example Sentences:
The elephant and the dog had a special bond.
Friends often have a strong bond with each other.
Question: Have you ever felt a special bond with an animal or person?
Trunk – The long nose of an elephant, which it uses to pick things up.
Synonyms: Proboscis, Snout
Example Sentences:
The elephant uses its trunk to grab food.
Tarra gently lifted Bella with her trunk.
Question: If you had an elephant's trunk for a day, what would you do?
Unlikely – Something that is not expected to happen or be true.
Synonyms: Improbable, Unusual
Example Sentences:
Their friendship was unlikely but very real.
It is unlikely that it will snow in summer.
Question: Have you ever seen an unlikely friendship between animals?
Grammar Focus
Past Simple Tense
Example Sentences:
Tarra met Bella at the sanctuary.
They spent all their time together.
Bella passed away a few years ago.
Grammar Questions:
What did you do with your friends when you were younger?
What did you eat for breakfast?
Discussion Questions
How do you feel about the friendship between Tarra and Bella?
Do you believe animals can feel emotions like humans do?
What other interesting animal friendships have you heard of?
How do you think animals communicate their feelings to each other?
What do you think makes a strong friendship?
Why do you think people are fascinated by stories of animal friendships?
Have you ever witnessed a unique friendship between animals in real life?
Do you believe that animals understand the concept of friendship?
How do you think animals cope with the loss of a friend?
What is your favourite animal, and why?
What are the most unusual animals you’ve ever heard of?
Have you ever learned something surprising about an animal’s behaviour?