That Viral ‘Drunk’ Raccoon Just Raised $240,000 for Charity
It happened over Black Friday weekend in Ashland, Virginia, when a raccoon wandered into a state-run liquor store. It knocked over bottles, tasted what spilled, and eventually passed out on the bathroom floor next to a toilet. Animal control officers responded, safely removed the raccoon, and took it to the Hanover County Animal Protection & Shelter for observation.
Photos released later showed the mess inside the store and the raccoon fast asleep in the bathroom. Nicknamed “Trashed Panda,” the story spread far beyond local news within hours. The raccoon had no injuries, rested briefly at the shelter, and was released back into the woods after officials confirmed there was no concerning human contact.
A Viral Moment Becomes Something Useful
Viral stories often burn out quickly, but this one went in a different direction because the shelter acted almost immediately. Hanover County Animal Protection & Shelter partnered with Bonfire to launch a small merchandise line featuring an illustrated raccoon and the now-famous nickname.
Shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, and stickers went on sale within days. All proceeds were earmarked for shelter operations, including animal care, officer training, and equipment. Early reports showed nearly $100,000 raised in just a few days, confirming that the attention had real momentum. As the photos continued circulating, sales kept climbing. Supporters shared links, bought items, and treated the merch as both a joke and a cause worth backing.
The Money Kept Coming In
Image via Pexels/Karola G
By mid-December, the total had passed $240,000, with more than 19,000 supporters contributing through purchases. Shelter officials explained that the funds would help address real needs. The facility is aging, the surrounding county continues to grow, and demand for space and resources has increased. Additional kennel capacity, updated equipment, and infrastructure improvements are among a long list of needs that rarely receive attention outside emergency appeals. This moment gave the shelter visibility it would not normally receive, and it arrived without a traditional fundraising push.
A Familiar Face to Local Officers
Image via Getty Images/фотограф
Animal control officer Samantha Martin later confirmed the raccoon was not new to the block. The same animal had previously been involved in other break-ins nearby, including incidents at a karate studio and a Department of Motor Vehicles office on the same street.
Martin emphasized that the raccoon did not require long-term care and was released back into its territory after observation. Keeping the interaction minimal ensured the animal could return to the wild without additional complications.
A Town Decides to Lean In
As donations continued to rise, the Downtown Ashland Association acted on the momentum. The raccoon had become an unofficial mascot but lacked a name, so the group invited the public to submit suggestions. A small gift certificate was offered, and the winning name was set to be announced as part of downtown branding, keeping the community engaged.
The raccoon returned to the woods, unaware of the attention it had created. What started as a brief incident led to meaningful support for the animal shelter. The funds provided needed resources, and the town benefited from a moment that turned local humor into practical help.