Taylor Swift’s devoted fanbase has once again demonstrated the power of the ‘Swiftie effect,’ this time channeling their enthusiasm into a remarkable cause by raising over $2.3 million for the conservation of sea otters.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium revealed to The Daily Mail that donations to its Sea Otter Program surged dramatically after Taylor Swift was spotted wearing a vintage aquarium T-shirt in her latest short film, “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl.”

“We honestly didn’t know what to expect,” admitted a spokesperson for the aquarium. “It quickly became apparent that this was more than a mere pop-culture moment. It was a chance to elevate awareness of our Sea Otter Program on a global scale.”

The spokesperson elaborated further, stating, “We are committed to managing this initiative sustainably, in a way that aligns with our core values. As a gesture of thanks, we are launching a fundraising campaign featuring a responsibly sourced shirt that steers clear of fast fashion practices. This effort supports our mission, aids in the protection of sea otters, and advances other critical ocean conservation projects.”

The aquarium proudly reported that the campaign hit its initial target of $1.3 million merely seven hours after its kickoff on October 16.

By the following day, October 17, donations had surged to more than $2.3 million — nearly doubling the original target.

Taylor Swift’s fans have once again proven the ‘Swiftie effect’ is real — this time helping raise more than $2.3 million for sea otter conservation

The aquarium’s development team said they noticed an early wave of $13 donations, a nod to Swift’s favorite number, even before the fundraiser officially launched. 

Once the singer’s outfit choice went viral, demand exploded.

‘The reaction on social media was immediate,’ the spokesperson said. ‘Fans spotted the shirt and started tagging us. We’ve heard that in some local movie theaters, audiences even cheered when they saw it. People have been sharing nostalgic memories of visiting when they were children — some even remembered owning the same T-shirt.’

The original design, featuring two otters floating in kelp, was first printed in 1993 by Harborside Graphics, later acquired by Maine-based Liberty Graphics. 

The aquarium worked with Liberty to reissue the design sustainably, offering it to donors who contributed $65.13 or more.

The shirts are 100% cotton, printed with PVC-free, water-based inks, and shipped plastic-free, aligning with the aquarium’s commitment to ocean-friendly practices.

In a statement on its website, the organization said: ‘Intentional or not, by putting our sea otter conservation work in the spotlight, this has brought a new era of support and awareness to the Aquarium’s long history of ocean conservation.’

Within hours, all 42,500 adult shirts and 7,500 children’s shirts sold out, forcing the aquarium to open backorders to keep up with overwhelming demand.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium confirmed to DailyMail.com that donations to its Sea Otter Program skyrocketed after the singer was seen wearing a vintage aquarium T-shirt 

‘We honestly didn’t know what to expect,’ a spokesperson for the aquarium revealed. ‘It quickly became clear this wasn’t just a pop-culture moment’ (an otter rescued by Monterey Bay Aquarium pictured in 2014)

‘After going viral, we saw a wave of $13 donations to support our sea otter program and other critical ocean conservation work,’ the aquarium said. ‘Swifties, you truly walk the talk.’

Swift’s affinity for otters may also be linked to her fiancé Travis Kelce, who has made no secret of his fascination with the animals.

During a recent episode of his New Heights podcast, the couple revealed that otters have become a recurring theme in their relationship.

‘All I really use the internet for is sourdough, and when Travis shows me videos of otters on his Instagram algorithm,’ Swift joked.

Kelce replied: ‘I want a wild otter so bad. I just want to, like, find these little creatures.’

Swift continued: ‘He wants one specifically whose life he saved. Who knows that he saved its life. It’s a really specific type of otter he’s looking for.’

‘He doesn’t want to go up to an otter and take it from its mother,’ she added. ‘He wants to see an otter, and the otter’s like, ‘My paw’s caught in a shell.’ And he’s like, ‘I got you.’ And then the otter’s like, ‘Thank you, forever,’ with its little paws.’

Kelce laughed: ‘And I just bring him anchovies every couple of months.’

The couple even joked about carrying cans of sardines on outings ‘just in case’ they encounter one.

Swift’s affinity for otters may also be linked to her fiancé Travis Kelce, who has made no secret of his fascination with the animals

During a recent episode of his New Heights podcast, the couple revealed that otters have become a recurring theme in their relationship; seen in 2023

‘It’s better in principle than it is in practice — easier to conceptualize,’ Swift quipped.

Kelce summed it up: ‘I’m on the hunt for a friend.’

The aquarium’s Sea Otter Program has been central to its mission for over four decades, rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing more than 1,000 sea otters since the 1980s.

‘Our work with this threatened species has been central to the Aquarium’s identity and mission, even before we opened in 1984,’ the organization states. ‘Since then, we’ve educated the public with our Sea Otters exhibit and collaborated on research and rehabilitation efforts. Together, we’ve made progress in restoring southern sea otter populations. And yet, there is still much work to be done.’

The spokesperson told DailyMail.com that the funds raised through the campaign will directly support animal care, field research, and broader ocean conservation efforts.

‘The Aquarium is a non-profit organization, and all its conservation programs are funded by donations and some competitive grants,’ they said. ‘The funds raised by this campaign will help support the Sea Otter Program and our other ocean conservation work.’

‘All I really use the internet for is sourdough, and when Travis shows me videos of otters on his Instagram algorithm,’ Swift joked

As the total continues to climb, aquarium officials say the support from Swift and her fans has been both heartwarming and inspiring.

‘We’d like to thank everyone for the generous support,’ the spokesperson added. ‘The outpouring of love for the Aquarium is honestly touching; we’re thrilled and appreciative for that attention and support. Millions more people could be moved to act for the sea otters we rescue and the ocean ecosystems we protect. And that would be a number one hit to us.’

This week, the pop star also made headlines for making a $100,000 donation to a two-year-old girl named Lilah, who is battling a ‘very rare’ and ‘aggressive form of brain cancer,’ according to a GoFundMe page set up for her.

Although it’s not currently clear how Taylor came to learn of Lilah’s plight, an Instagram post from an account that boosts awareness about children battling severe illnesses revealed the little girl’s love for the songstress.

The post included a photo of colorful friendship bracelets that were being sold by another cancer patient to help raise money to pay for Lilah’s costly treatments.

‘Lilah said she wanted TS to be her best friend which is where her mama’s Lilah’s friend bracelet inspo came from,’ the Instagram post said. ‘Her initials are also LS so Lilah Strong was just perfect for her!’

Swift’s recent charitable acts included donating to numerous food banks across the country, visiting patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital and giving out $197 million in bonuses to everyone working on her Eras Tour, which ran from 2023 to 2024.