Monterey Bay Aquarium reissues Swift's sea otter shirt for donations

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has raised a surge of donations after reissuing a vintage sea otter T shirt that Taylor Swift wore during the film component of her album release events for The Life of a Showgirl. The limited campaign, launched mid October, offers the recreated 1990s design as a thank you for donations of at least $65.13 and directs proceeds to the aquarium’s Sea Otter Program and other ocean conservation work.

Fans noticed the original Monterey Bay Aquarium shirt in the release party footage and began making small $13 donations to the aquarium, a trend the institution said prompted staff to track down the original artwork and arrange a reissue. The aquarium partnered with Liberty Graphics to produce up to 50,000 shirts in adult and child sizes, using PVC free, water based ink and 100 percent cotton intended to reduce microplastic shedding. Donors who give at least $65.13 can request a shirt as a token of appreciation; the donation amount references Swift’s favored number, 13.

The fundraising surge was rapid. Campaign updates and the aquarium reported that the effort raised more than $1 million within hours and reached the campaign’s initial $1.3 million goal within...