Des Moines – Early Monday morning staff at Exile Brewing Co. discovered a raccoon that had apparently overindulged on leftover beer and food in the brewery’s dumpster. Social media manager Sam Golbuff posted a photo of the sleepy animal, quickly earning hundreds of likes and comments from the community.
Rescue and care
Packaging team member Jake Solsma found the critter and tried to help it climb out by placing a wooden pallet inside the dumpster. “He didn’t,” Golbuff recalled, noting that the animal barely moved, only twitching its eyes and paws.
Concerned for the animal’s wellbeing, Golbuff, Solsma and marketing associate Rocky Mock called local animal control. The officials arrived, removed the raccoon and confirmed it was only mildly intoxicated. “They’re glad we called, as raccoons tend to stress themselves out in these situations,” Golbuff said. Animal control released the creature back into the wild after confirming it was otherwise healthy.
Turning a mishap into a marketing moment
Exile Brewing seized the opportunity to engage its customers. The brewery announced a $1 discount on the first drink for anyone who orders and says, “I’ll have what the raccoon had.” The promotion runs on Tuesday and Wednesday, encouraging patrons to share the light‑hearted story while supporting the local business.
Fans have already begun referring to the animal as the “trashed panda,” a playful twist on the affectionate nickname “trash panda” for raccoons. Some have even suggested making the critter the brewery’s mascot or creating a special beer label in its honor.
Community response
The incident has sparked a wave of positive feedback on social media, with many locals praising Exile Brewing for its quick response and creative promotion. The story highlights how a small, unexpected event can bring a community together, showcase responsible animal care, and provide a fun, family‑friendly talking point for a local business.
Exile Brewing continues to be a popular gathering spot in Des Moines, known for its craft beers and community‑focused events. The raccoon episode adds another memorable chapter to its growing local reputation.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
