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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring exclusive items. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's theme. The big draw, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning artwork depicting creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition promos celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. Many such collector items typically highlight the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans cannot purchase this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.