Our Story

Uproar in Pawtucket is a new documentary that tells the story of Fanny the Elephant who lived in Pawtuckets Slater Park Zoo from 1958-1993. Through archival footage, interviews, and more, the film will bring the love people felt for this gentle animal alive.

Fanny was considered a symbol of the city for 35 years. People loved her fiercely, but during that time, she was unintentionally maltreated. Alone and chained in a concrete cell for most of the year, she was lonely. Because she was so overweight, she developed significant health problems.

In 1993, the city had to close the zoo and a new home had to be found for her. And thats when the Uproar in Pawtucket began. Animal rights activists, movie stars, talk show hosts, seventh graders, bridal store owners, city councilmen, the statewide press - and more - passionately argued for what they believed was right for Fanny. Some held that she could stay in town if she had a companion and larger quarters. Others said that it was too late and that she had to be moved.

"Would you let your child go?" one impassioned man cried at a council meeting.  "Fanny is our child!"

The Impact

Uproar in Pawtucket will raise awareness about humane treatment of animals, give Rhode Islanders an opportunity to reminisce about their beloved Fanny the Elephant, and introduce new people to Fanny's story, knowing that they, too, can't help but fall in love with her.

What We Need & What You Get

So far, we've poured our own money, time, and equipment into shooting interviews, traveling, doing research and beginning editing, but we now need your help to continue the project. When you contribute to Uproar in Pawtucket, you are helping to provide salaries for the crew and talent (writer, director, producer, camera operator, editor, musician, and voice over talent), purchase archival footage, and help with travel, office, promotion, and distribution costs.

The perks for this project are listed to the right.  In addition to the perks, all contributors will receive regular e-mail updates about the film's progress.

Other Ways You Can Help

Tell your friends, neighbors, facebook contacts, twitter pals, librarians, animal-loving friends and elephant-loving friends about us. We want to get Fanny's story out to the public. We want people to think about how to show their love for elephants and what they can do to keep our pachyderm friends safe and at peace.