Remember Virginia liquor store’s ‘drunk raccoon’? Its boozy night out just got an unexpected ending
ASHLAND, VIRGINIA: A Virginia raccoon that became an internet sensation after breaking into a liquor store and passing out in its bathroom has turned its infamous night into a major fundraising success, helping raise more than $290,000 for the animal shelter that rescued it.
Nearly a year after the unusual incident, Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter has collected more than $290,000 through merchandise inspired by the animal, which was nicknamed the “Trashed Panda.” The money is helping the department improve its facilities and equip animal protection officers with body cameras.
The fundraising total is more than 14 times the shelter's usual annual donations of less than $20,000, according to The Washington Post.
'Trashed Panda' merchandise raises over $290,000
The shelter partnered with apparel company Bonfire to launch a merchandise collection featuring an illustration of the raccoon alongside the nickname “Trashed Panda.”
The collection included T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, mugs, and stickers. Seasonal designs also helped keep the campaign going, with slogans such as “Hot Trash Summer” and “Trick or Trashed.”
The unexpected response has given the shelter a significant financial boost. Jeffrey Parker, Hanover County's chief of animal protection, told the outlet that officials never expected the raccoon to generate such support.
The proceeds are helping fund body cameras for the department's eight animal protection officers. The equipment is expected to help officers document animal cruelty investigations, collect evidence, and address complaints involving their work.
County officials unanimously approved the purchase on October 28, and officers are expected to begin using the cameras in January 2027.
Shelter considers emergency medical fund for animals
The department has approximately $140,000 remaining from the merchandise campaign and is considering establishing an emergency medical fund to cover treatment for injured animals rescued by officers.
Other planned improvements include new animal housing, toys, a temperature-controlled food shed, and a community pet pantry.
The fundraising success has also prompted local officials to publicly acknowledge the raccoon's unexpected contribution. The shelter's campaign has transformed an unusual wildlife incident into resources that can benefit animals across the county.
The raccoon first made headlines on November 29, 2025, after breaking into an ABC liquor store in Ashland, Virginia.
According to Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter, the raccoon fell through a ceiling tile, knocked bottles off shelves, and caused a mess inside the store before passing out in the bathroom beside a toilet.
A store spokesperson said 14 bottles of spirits worth approximately $250 were damaged. Animal protection officer Samantha Martin took the intoxicated raccoon to the shelter, where it was allowed to rest for several hours.
After showing no signs of injury, apart from what officials jokingly described as a possible hangover, the animal was released back into the wild.
Its photographs quickly went viral, and the incident even inspired a sketch on 'Saturday Night Live'.
The raccoon's whereabouts remain unknown, but officials have not received reports of further liquor store break-ins involving the animal.
Parker told reporters he hopes the unlikely fundraising star is now living peacefully in the wild and staying sober.
