[4] The elephant was named Lizzie and was used to haul ammunition, machinery and raw materials to and from the city's steel factories.

[7] Some artists drew inspiration from the First World War to mark Lizzie's anniversary, for example one elephant was painted in a dazzle camouflage pattern,[8] while others incorporated local themes such as Henderson's Relish into their artworks.

[9] The event raised money for the Sheffield Children's Hospital, with the aim of funding the purchase of a fluoroscopy machine.

[10] Aside from the auction, money was raised through selling merchandise such as pens, toy elephants, maps and souvenir books.

[15][16] Thousands of people went on the trail to participate in the interactive public art event, which involved travelling to see all of the elephants.

[28] Numerous local businesses, organisations and educational institutions sponsored the project along with some national companies including Barclays, John Lewis and Irwin Mitchell.