In a tragic turn of events, Peanut the squirrel, an orphaned animal who captured hearts on social media, was recently euthanized by New York state officials. Mark Longo, who cared for Peanut and turned him into an internet sensation, expressed profound grief over the decision, which has sparked widespread public outrage.
Mark Longo’s Connection with Peanut
Peanut’s journey began seven years ago when Longo found the squirrel as a baby after its mother was hit by a car in New York City. Recognizing the helplessness of the orphaned animal, Longo decided to raise Peanut, gradually transforming him into a beloved pet and an online personality.
Through photos and videos of Peanut performing tricks, sporting tiny hats, and nibbling treats, Longo’s Instagram and TikTok accounts quickly gained tens of thousands of followers, turning Peanut into a sensation.
Government Intervention and Controversy
However, Peanut’s life was unexpectedly cut short on October 30, 2024. Following anonymous complaints about wildlife being kept without proper permits, officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) raided Longo’s home in Pine City, near the Pennsylvania border. Along with Peanut, the authorities also seized Fred, a raccoon Longo had recently rescued and cared for at his animal sanctuary.
According to the DEC and Chemung County Health Department, both animals were euthanized to test for rabies after a reported bite incident. In an official statement, they explained, “To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” while urging anyone who had contact with Peanut or Fred to consult their doctor.
Longo’s Perspective and Outcry
For Longo, the actions taken by New York state officials have been nothing short of a nightmare. “It still feels surreal,” he shared in an interview, describing the raid as an excessive and heavy-handed approach. Longo claimed he had been in the process of obtaining the necessary certification to use Peanut as an educational animal when officials intervened.
Following the seizure, Longo posted an emotional message on Instagram, denouncing the DEC’s actions and expressing his disbelief and anger. “To the people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you,” he wrote, adding that the experience had left him “in shock, disbelief, and disgust.”
Peanut and Fred: More Than Just Pets
For Longo and his wife, Daniela, Peanut and Fred represented far more than simple pets. The couple had established P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023, creating a safe haven for around 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas.
Longo hoped to develop Peanut into an “educational animal,” using his story to inspire others and raise awareness about animal welfare. But despite his efforts, the DEC’s strict policies surrounding wild animals led to Peanut and Fred’s untimely demise.
Peanut’s social media followers were similarly devastated, expressing their support and sorrow across platforms. An Instagram tribute to Peanut featured a montage of his antics, showing him leaping onto Longo’s shoulder, performing tricks, and enjoying tiny waffles. The heartfelt post read, “Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief.”
Legal and Ethical Questions Raised
The case of Peanut the squirrel has prompted questions about New York’s laws governing wildlife ownership. According to DEC regulations, wild animals can only be kept with a special license. These laws are intended to protect both humans and animals, especially since some wildlife can carry diseases such as rabies. However, critics argue that authorities could have chosen alternative actions, such as quarantine, rather than immediate euthanasia.
Longo also raised concerns about the lack of communication from authorities. “The authorities haven’t spoken with me since they left my property,” he stated, emphasizing his shock at how events unfolded. In his view, Peanut’s popularity and role as an ambassador for animal care and education made his euthanasia all the more tragic.
The Future of P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary
After the loss of Peanut and Fred, Longo is uncertain about the sanctuary’s future. “With over 350 rescues, we’ve relied heavily on Peanut and his internet family for donations to support more animals,” he explained in another Instagram post. Longo’s sanctuary had depended on Peanut’s presence to raise awareness and gather funds, but now, without Peanut, he is taking a break from social media as he processes this difficult time.
Public Response: A Community United in Grief
The online community that once celebrated Peanut’s antics now grieves his loss alongside Longo. Supporters have flooded the comment sections of Longo’s posts, expressing their condolences and frustration over the DEC’s decision.
Many have called for changes in wildlife policy, hoping that future rescues and rehabilitated animals will have a chance at life rather than face immediate euthanasia under similar circumstances.
Conclusion: A Call for Compassionate Change
Peanut’s story serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife protection laws and the compassionate treatment of animals. While these regulations exist to keep communities safe, this case has highlighted the potential need for greater flexibility and empathy in how such cases are handled.
Mark Longo’s bond with Peanut will not be easily forgotten by those who followed their journey. His story has brought attention to the plight of countless orphaned and injured animals, sparking discussions about how we can support both animal welfare and human safety.
