Monterey Bay Aquarium Receives $2 Million Boost After Taylor Swift Wears Sea Otter T-Shirt
MONTEREY, Calif. - A T-shirt featuring a sea otter has generated an estimated $2 million windfall for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and ocean conservation efforts after Taylor Swift was photographed wearing it. The shirt, designed and printed by Maine-based Liberty Graphics, quickly sold out online and in the aquarium’s gift shop, prompting a massive surge in demand.
The unexpected boost comes as the aquarium seeks to expand its sea otter conservation programs. Proceeds from the T-shirt sales will directly support these initiatives, which include research, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts for the endangered species. The aquarium estimates the initial impact at $2 million, with ongoing sales expected to further increase the contribution.
the T-shirt features artwork of a sea otter and is a product of a long-standing partnership between the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Liberty Graphics, an employee-owned company. The aquarium was surprised by Swift’s choice of apparel, noting she and fiancé Travis Kelce had recently visited nearby Carmel but hadn’t been observed in the aquarium’s shop.
“We’re also working to make sure that the packaging doesn’t use plastic,” said Monterey bay Aquarium spokesperson, adding that Liberty Graphics will use 100% cotton and water-based ink for the shirts, prioritizing ocean-pleasant and lasting practices.
the connection between Swift and sea otters was playfully highlighted on Kelce’s podcast, “New Heights,” where the couple discussed Kelce’s fondness for the animals and his habit of sending Swift otter videos. aquarium staff have even speculated whether swift may have participated in an online poll to name one of their sea otters “Opal,” Kelce’s birthstone, and the title of one of Swift’s songs.
Liberty Graphics,which typically produces 1,500 shirts daily,is now bracing to dedicate most of its resources to fulfilling the overwhelming number of orders from Swift’s fans. “We definitely didn’t envision something this big but it’s a pretty good problem to have,” said company manager Matt Enos.
The aquarium and Liberty Graphics are both celebrating the unexpected attention and the positive impact it will have on sea otter conservation. The collaboration underscores the power of celebrity influence in raising awareness and funding for critical environmental causes.