Peanut, a cherished squirrel with a considerable social media following, was euthanized by wildlife authorities in New York, sparking outrage and sadness among his fans and his caretaker, Mark Longo. The decision has led to heated debates over wildlife regulations and their enforcement.
From Rescue to Stardom: Peanut’s Journey
Peanut was orphaned as a baby when his mother was tragically struck by a car in New York City. Mark Longo stepped in, offering him a home and eventually creating a platform that showcased Peanut’s charm and playful personality. Videos and photos of Peanut donning tiny hats, performing tricks, and bonding with Longo quickly attracted tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, making the squirrel an internet sensation.
Longo often referred to Peanut as “the best thing that ever happened to us,” expressing his profound affection for the squirrel through social media posts.
The Sanctuary Raid That Changed Everything
The events leading to Peanut’s euthanasia began with a raid at P’nuts Freedom Farm, an animal sanctuary opened by Longo and his wife, Daniela, in April 2023. The sanctuary houses around 300 animals, including alpacas, horses, and goats. On October 30, 2024, wildlife officers and police arrived at the property, conducting a thorough five-hour search.
Longo described the raid as unnecessarily aggressive and invasive, likening the treatment to that of a criminal investigation. Officers reportedly dismantled parts of the home, inspected personal items, and even questioned Daniela about her immigration status. Speaking to the media, Longo expressed disbelief:
“They treated me like I was a terrorist, searching every corner of my house, including the back of the toilet, as though I was hiding something there.”
The Justification: Anonymous Complaints and Rabies Concerns
According to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the raid was prompted by anonymous reports of Peanut and another animal, a raccoon named Fred, living with humans. The DEC stated that the animals posed a potential rabies risk and revealed that an individual involved in the investigation had been bitten by Peanut.
In their official statement, the DEC explained:
“To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. This was a necessary step to ensure public safety.”
Efforts to Save Peanut
At the time of the raid, Longo was in the process of obtaining permits to legally keep Peanut as an educational animal, a requirement under New York law for domesticated wild creatures. Becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is a lengthy process, and Longo had been working toward compliance.
He shared his frustration over the lack of support:
“We were ready to comply with the law, but we needed guidance from the DEC to navigate the process. Instead, they chose to take Peanut away.”
Despite public outcry and an online petition gathering tens of thousands of signatures, the law categorizes wild animals as property, leaving no room for emotional appeals to overturn the decision.
A Community in Mourning
Peanut’s euthanasia has left Longo and his family heartbroken. In a poignant social media post, he announced:
“With immense sorrow, we share the devastating news: Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon were euthanized on November 2nd. Our hearts are shattered.”
The post was accompanied by a touching video montage, celebrating Peanut’s happiest moments, from his playful antics to his bond with the Longo family.
Questions of Justice and Animal Welfare
The incident has sparked a larger conversation about wildlife laws and enforcement practices. Longo has indicated plans to pursue legal action, challenging the necessity and execution of the raid. Critics argue that the situation highlights the rigidity of wildlife regulations and the need for a more compassionate approach to unique cases like Peanut’s.
While Peanut’s story ended tragically, his memory lives on through the love and joy he brought to Longo and countless followers. The case serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between humans and wildlife, and the ongoing debate about how best to balance compassion and safety.