Sheila the Elephant: A Wartime Tale from Belfast

This free, museum-based family workshop is delivered in collaboration with Ellan Rankin, Northern Irish author-illustrator of The Secret Elephant. Inspired by the true wartime story of Sheila the Elephant and her keeper Denise Weston Austin, The Secret Elephant brings one of Belfast Zoo’s most remarkable Second World War stories to life for young readers.

Taking place during the 85th anniversary year of the Belfast Blitz, this relaxed workshop invites families and members of the public to discover Sheila’s story and explore what life was like in wartime Belfast, including how the war affected animals and the people who cared for them.

During the 90-minute session, families will enjoy storytelling inspired by Sheila’s wartime tale before taking part in a creative art activity. Children and adults will draw their own elephants, with the finished artworks displayed together in the museum as a temporary community display.

This workshop is welcoming, gentle and suitable for all abilities. It encourages families to learn together through storytelling, creativity, imagination and shared experience.

This event is part of Belfast Learning Festival 2026, and will take place on Wednesday 10 June 2026, starting at 6pm at the Northern Ireland War Memorial, 21 Talbot Street, Belfast, BT1 2LD.

Register for a FREE ticket via Eventbrite.

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Host or Publisher Northern Ireland War Memorial