Social Media Sensation Peanut the Squirrel Euthanized by New York Authorities After Raid
Beloved pet taken alongside raccoon companion Fred, sparking outcry from fans and caretakers
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Peanut, an orphaned squirrel who captured the hearts of tens of thousands on social media, was euthanized by New York state authorities. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from their caretaker Mark Longo’s home near the Pennsylvania border in Pine City after receiving anonymous complaints.
Animals Seized Amid Health Concerns
According to Longo, founder of P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, DEC officers arrived on Wednesday, citing potential health risks due to human interaction with the animals. Authorities reported that one person involved in the investigation was bitten by Peanut, raising concerns about rabies. On Friday, the DEC and Chemung County Department of Health issued a joint statement confirming that both Peanut and Fred had been euthanized to allow for rabies testing.
“On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” the agencies said, urging anyone who had been in contact with the animals to consult a physician.
Peanut’s Rise to Fame
Peanut became a sensation on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with videos showing him leaping onto Longo’s shoulder, performing tricks, and even donning tiny hats. Longo took in Peanut seven years ago after witnessing the squirrel’s mother get struck by a car in New York City. Peanut’s antics and close bond with Longo turned him into a beloved figure online, drawing fans who cherished his unique personality.
Longo and his wife Daniela expressed profound grief over the loss of Peanut and Fred. In an Instagram post featuring a montage of the animals, they wrote, “It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news…Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency ignored our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief.”
A Mission to Protect Animals
The Longos opened P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023, which now houses around 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas. Longo said he was in the process of obtaining certification to designate Peanut as an educational animal when authorities confiscated him.
For Longo and his followers, Peanut’s untimely fate has spotlighted the strict regulations governing wildlife in residential settings and left a void in the lives of his many online fans.