Internet-famous squirrel Peanut seized and euthanised by New York authorities, fans express fury

Peanut, famous for his cowboy hat and love for waffles, amassed a social media following of over 500,000 fans

A decision by New York State authorities to euthanize Peanut, an internet-famous squirrel beloved for his social media antics, has sparked a wave of public outrage. Peanut was seized from the home of his owner, Mark Longo, who founded an animal sanctuary in 2023.

The operation, led by officers from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), also involved the seizure of Fred, Longo’s pet raccoon. 

According to Longo, at least six DEC officers arrived unannounced at his home, taking both Peanut and Fred. Devastated by the loss, Longo shared his grief on social media, describing Peanut and Fred as beloved members of his sanctuary. He expressed frustration with the DEC, accusing the agency of insensitivity for notifying the media before informing him directly.

 

Longo posted on social media: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the heartbreaking news: on Oct. 30, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon.” He further condemned what he called a “troubling lack of respect and empathy” from the agency, adding, “It breaks our hearts that there were mean people who took you away from us, people who didn’t understand the joy and love you brought to our lives.”

Peanut’s death quickly drew reactions from fans online, with condolences and calls for compassion flooding social media. Even Elon Musk weighed in on X, remarking, “The government should leave people and their animals alone.”

The DEC stated that it launched an investigation based on reports of “potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets.” The department maintains strict regulations on wildlife to prevent public health risks. Longo, however, has argued that Peanut was being certified as an educational animal due to his inability to survive in the wild.

In the face of public outcry, Longo has vowed to continue his sanctuary’s mission, announcing plans for a fundraiser in Peanut’s memory. “I’ll never give up on this nonprofit or those who fell in love with Peanut,” he wrote, promising to honor the legacy of his cherished animals.