SEATTLE, Wash. — A Seattle raccoon that went viral this summer is now getting the bobblehead treatment.
On Tuesday the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled what it calls the first officially licensed, limited-edition bobblehead of Jimothy, the Seattle raccoon that became a global internet sensation. The wild raccoon went viral in July after a video of him scurrying across the street drew more than 10 million views across social media.
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The bobblehead shows Jimothy standing on a rectangular, grass-like textured base bearing his name. The museum said it is designed as a replica of the popular gray-furred raccoon known for a shortened, round, orb-like appearance, and depicts him in a running pose “as he is eyeing his next adventure in The Emerald City.”
The bobbleheads will be individually numbered and sold exclusively through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s online store. They are expected to ship in December and cost $30 each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.
“We’re excited to unveil the first bobblehead of Jimothy, Seattle’s newest hometown hero who has a growing fan base across the nation,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “This bobblehead will be the perfect way for fans of Jimothy to show off their love and support for the pop culture icon and celebrate ‘Jimothy Summer!’”
Jimothy was named by Seattle resident Kiana Hall after she spotted the uniquely round raccoon roaming the Ballard neighborhood. Hall named him “Jimothy” because he just “looks like a Jimothy.”
Jimothy’s unusual appearance is linked to a spine deformity reported to be “short spine syndrome,” which compresses the vertebrae and can make it appear as if he has no neck. Despite the condition, he is healthy for his species, has no issue with mobility, and does not seem to be in pain.
As Jimothy’s popularity grew, he became the subject of clothing merchandise, artwork and slogans including “hot Jimothy summer,” along with affectionate nicknames such as “Saint Jimothy” and “King Jimothy.”
Tributes to the raccoon include fan art, a neighborhood mural and an honorary degree from the University of Washington, and said Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck issued an official proclamation celebrating “Jimothy Summer” to honor the raccoon’s resilient spirit.
More information on the Jinothy bobblehead can be found HERE.
