This photo, shared by Mark Longo, shows his pet squirrel, Peanut, who was taken by state environmental officers from Longo's home in rural Pine City, New York, on October 30, 2024. AP Photo
An orphaned squirrel named Peanut, who had gained fame on social media, was put down after state officials took him from his caretaker's home in a raid. Mark Longo, who runs an animal sanctuary in Pine City, New York, shared the devastating news on Friday. Peanut had been living with Longo for seven years since he was rescued as a baby after his mother was killed in an accident.
The trouble began when the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received anonymous complaints about Longo's sanctuary. On Wednesday, officers seized both Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from the home. They cited concerns about the potential risk of rabies due to the animals living in close quarters with humans, as well as an incident where a person was bitten by Peanut during the investigation.
The DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health later confirmed that both animals were euthanized to test for rabies. In a statement, they emphasized that the decision was made to protect public health. They urged anyone who had contact with either animal to consult their healthcare provider as a precaution.
Peanut had developed a large online following, with tens of thousands of fans across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. His playful antics, such as jumping through hoops, wearing tiny hats, and munching on waffles, charmed viewers and brought joy to many. Longo had hoped to have Peanut recognized as an educational animal, which would allow him to participate in programs aimed at teaching the public about wildlife and conservation.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Longo expressed his profound sorrow over the loss of Peanut and Fred. He described the situation as deeply shocking and tragic, stating, “It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30th, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon.” The post featured a touching montage of videos showcasing the animals playing and interacting with their caretakers.
Longo and his wife, Daniela, established P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023, which now houses around 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas. Their sanctuary aims to provide a safe haven for rescued animals, but this incident has left them grieving the loss of Peanut and Fred.
While the authorities have justified their actions in the name of public safety, many fans and supporters of Peanut are left wondering if there could have been a different solution that would have allowed the beloved squirrel to live. The emotional fallout from this event highlights the complexities surrounding wildlife rescue and the challenges faced by those who care for animals in need.
The story of Peanut serves as a reminder of the close bonds people can form with animals and the heartbreak that can come with unexpected loss.
