[2] During the Belfast Blitz in April 1941, the Ministry of Public Security told the Royal Ulster Constabulary to shoot and kill thirty-three large animals due to concerns that the German bombings may break their cages and release them into the city.
The other employees at the zoo were unaware of Austin’s activities until Sheila ran into a neighbour’s garden while chasing a dog, breaking the fence in the process.
[6] Austin’s identity as the Elephant Angel remained unknown to the public until 2009, when the Belfast Zoo launched an investigation as a way to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
[citation needed] British children’s author Michael Morpurgo loosely based his 2011 novel An Elephant in the Garden on Austin’s story after hearing about her on the radio.
Published by Hachette Children's Group, the book tells the story of the keeper bringing baby Sheila into her home each night and the escapades which ensued.