Authorities have confirmed that Peanut, a beloved squirrel with a large Instagram following, has been euthanized following a seizure by New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This decision came after Peanut bit an official during the incident. The DEC also euthanized a raccoon named Fred that was removed from the home of Peanut’s owner, Mark Longo, during this operation.
Longo had been vocal about his wish to have Peanut returned to him, expressing his emotions in a passionate Instagram post that included his strong opposition to the DEC’s actions. This appeal came amid a growing petition that quickly amassed over 30,000 signatures, demonstrating widespread public support for Peanut’s return.
In his efforts to fight for Peanut, Longo established a GoFundMe campaign, which successfully raised around $13,500 to cover legal fees against the DEC. Longo described this experience as a “terrible nightmare,” reflecting his anguish over the loss of his pet.
Following Peanut’s death, Longo took to social media to encourage his followers to contact the DEC with their feelings about the situation. He emphasized the importance of keeping Peanut’s memory alive, despite the tragic outcome. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Peanut’s fans for their support and called for donations to assist other animals at his “freedom farm.”
The DEC launched an investigation that initially prompted their raid after receiving multiple complaints about the unsafe conditions in which Peanut and other wildlife were being kept. Longo had rescued Peanut seven years ago after finding him abandoned next to his deceased mother. Despite caring for him until he was ready for release, Peanut returned to Longo’s home, prompting concerns about the need for a proper wildlife habitat.
Peanut’s Instagram account gathered more than 500,000 followers, showcasing his playful personality through videos featuring skits with Longo, moments of being dressed in costumes, and indulging in treats like waffles.
As the community mourns the loss of Peanut, there remains a glimmer of hope that this tragic event will lead to more awareness about the treatment of wild animals in domestic settings and the importance of animal welfare. Conversations sparked by this incident could encourage changes in regulations regarding wildlife care, benefitting both animals and their owners in the future.
In summary, the story of Peanut highlights the complexities of owning wild animals as pets and the implications of wildlife regulations, propelling discussions towards improving animal welfare practices.