Viral drunk raccoon passed out in liquor store bathroom inspires trashed panda merch, helps animal control raise money
A viral store break-in
The raccoon was discovered passed out in a liquor store bathroom in Virginia last November. Its apparent break-in drew widespread attention after images and details went viral in early December.
Merchandise raises funds
Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter began selling “Trashed Panda” merchandise after the incident. The campaign has raised about $280,000 since it began last year, Jeffrey Parker told local outlet WWBT.
Parker, the county’s chief of animal protection, said the campaign turned the raccoon’s bad night into a benefit. The funds are going back to the animal shelter.
Support for shelter work
The money will help support animals at the shelter and cover the cost of body cameras for animal protection officers. The fundraising effort links a viral local story with practical needs for the county’s animal services. The raccoon’s liquor store episode drew smiles online, while the merchandise campaign created a source of funding for the shelter and officers.
Key points
- Hanover County’s “Trashed Panda” campaign grew out of a raccoon’s liquor store break-in.
- The raccoon was found passed out in a Virginia store bathroom last November.
- The campaign has raised around $280,000 since starting last year.
- Funds will support shelter animals and help pay for officers’ body cameras.