Peanut the Squirrel, a beloved pet and internet sensation, was recently confiscated and euthanized by New York state officials. The state Department of Environmental Conservation seized Peanut and another raccoon from owner Mark Longo’s home due to complaints about illegally keeping wildlife. Longo, who ran an animal sanctuary, was devastated by the loss, as were Peanut’s 550,000 followers on social media. The news of Peanut’s death sparked a wave of memes and outrage online, with many expressing shock and sadness over the incident.
The squirrel’s popularity was evident in its massive social media following, with an Instagram account dedicated to Peanut garnering over half a million followers. Longo and his wife had established an animal sanctuary inspired by Peanut, who they had adopted after finding it orphaned. Peanut’s refusal to return to the wild led to a close bond with the couple, who shared their interactions with the squirrel and other animals they cared for through videos and posts. The loss of Peanut was a significant blow to Longo and his family, who described the raid by authorities as traumatic and disruptive to their rescue efforts.
In an emotional interview, Longo recounted the dramatic events that unfolded during the confiscation of Peanut and the raccoon. He described how the authorities raided his home with multiple officers, treating him like a criminal and conducting a thorough search of his property. Longo expressed frustration and grief over the loss of Peanut, stating that the squirrel had been a cornerstone of their animal rescue efforts. Despite his efforts to get certified as an educational animal owner, the authorities euthanized Peanut and the raccoon to test them for rabies, in accordance with state law.
The incident drew widespread attention and condemnation on social media, with many expressing support for Longo and criticizing the actions of the DEC and county health department. Memes and tweets circulated online, with some poking fun at the situation while others voiced outrage and sadness over the loss of Peanut. Longo shared his devastation with followers on social media, expressing gratitude for the joy and companionship that Peanut had brought into his life. The tragic outcome of Peanut’s confiscation and euthanization highlighted the complexities and challenges of owning wild animals as pets and raised questions about the actions of authorities in such cases.
Despite the outpouring of support and sympathy for Longo and Peanut, the authorities involved in the confiscation and euthanization did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The lack of transparency and accountability in the handling of the situation added to the sense of injustice felt by many who followed Peanut’s story. Longo’s emotional video message to his followers, in which he bid farewell to his beloved pet, underscored the impact of Peanut’s death on his family and the animal rescue community. The tragic end to Peanut’s life served as a reminder of the risks and challenges of caring for wild animals as pets, and raised important questions about the ethical and legal considerations involved in such cases.
