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Swift-Worn Otter Tee Drives Monterey Bay Aquarium Fundraiser to $1.3 Million Goal

Offered at a $65.13 donation level, the limited reissue drew a fan surge that funded the Sea Otter Program campaign.

Overview

  • The aquarium launched a limited-time campaign reissuing its 1990s sea otter T-shirt as a donor thank-you for contributions of at least $65.13.
  • Donations climbed rapidly — passing roughly $300,000 within about 30 minutes, topping $600,000 by late morning and clearing $1.1 million by midafternoon — before reaching the $1.3 million target later in the day.
  • The offer is tied to the viral moment of Taylor Swift wearing the vintage design in her album-release film, which also spurred many $13 gifts attributed to her fans.
  • Liberty Graphics in Maine is producing the reprint after authenticating the 1993 artwork from the former Harborside Graphics archive.
  • The shirts use PVC-free water-based inks on 100% cotton and ship in plastic-free packaging, and initial supplies sold out with back orders now available.