Tarra meets a baby bird

The story that goes with this touching photo taken in 2001 is equally amazing. I went out to the back of the Phase ll barn and found Tarra staring at the fledging on the horizontal corral cable. I was without camera and said to Tarra, “Don’t move, don’t scare it — I’m going to get the camera.  I’ll be right back!”

I ran back the length of the barn and up the stairs, found my camera, ran back down the stairs and out to the back of the barn. It had to have taken me two to three minutes. When I came back around the corner, Tarra was standing perfectly still, in the exact same spot as when I left her. I swear she was holding her breath.

I was able to take three photos before the fledgling flew off.

I praised Tarra for standing so still and for not trying to touch the baby bird, which I could tell she was dying to do. Her eyes were still as large as saucers, sparkling with excitement. She squeaked, took a deep breath and let out a piercing trumpet.

Another magical moment with Tarra.

Comments

3 responses to “Tarra meets a baby bird”

  1. Sandra G Avatar
    Sandra G

    One of my three favorite photos in the world. Thank you for telling us the backround story.

  2. sherryheim Avatar
    sherryheim

    I remember seeing this picture once before but I never knew the story behind it, which is absolutely wonderful. What a good girl, Tarra was, it was as though it was more important for her to please you than to try to touch the little bird. That kind of relationship is difficult to cultivate in adult humans, let alone most animals. Tarra, on the other hand is no “other animal,” she is smart and happy to please you. Thank you for sharing this so that I can post it for my friends to read.

  3. Lesley Avatar
    Lesley

    This posting by Atkinson cements my resolve to no longer support The Elephant Sanctuary
    http://www.elephants.com/newsStory.php?newsID=1321

    It’s pretty clear that Scott’s been excommunicated as well. I have no idea what’s going on in that place but they’ve missed the mark in “Doing What’s Right”.

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