Mark Longo's cherished pet squirrel with over half a million Instagram followers becomes the center of controversy after a dramatic intervention by New York authorities.
According to Fox News, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized and euthanized Peanut the squirrel and a raccoon named Fred from Longo's Pine City animal sanctuary, triggering widespread social media outrage and meme creation.
The incident has drawn attention from notable figures, including Elon Musk, who commented on the situation with both humor and sympathy. The story has also inspired various social media responses, ranging from satirical headlines to emotional tributes.
P'Nut's Freedom Farm, established last year, represented Longo's dedication to animal care. The sanctuary began with Peanut, whom Longo rescued seven years ago after witnessing the death of the squirrel's mother.
The DEC's intervention came after complaints about illegal wildlife possession. State regulations require specific licensing for keeping wild animals, a requirement that became central to the controversy.
Longo had been working toward obtaining certification as an educational facility. This process was ongoing when authorities executed their search warrant.
Mark Longo described the enforcement operation to TMZ, saying:
It's not only torn my family apart, but Peanut was the cornerstone of our non-profit animal rescue. And 10 to 12 DEC officers raided my house as if I was a drug dealer. I sat outside my house for five hours. I had to get a police escort to my bathroom.
The raid involved multiple departments and resulted in a thorough search of the property. Officers prevented Longo from performing basic sanctuary duties during the operation, including feeding rescue horses.
The execution of the search warrant led to the immediate removal of both Peanut and Fred. The animals were subsequently euthanized for rabies testing, as required by state protocol.
The internet's reaction manifested in various forms of expression. The Babylon Bee published satirical content, while others shared memes referencing popular culture, including comparisons to John Wick's revenge narrative.
Peanut's Instagram following of 550,000 demonstrated the squirrel's significant impact on social media. The account regularly featured heartwarming interactions between the rescued animal and his caretakers.
The story has sparked discussions about wildlife regulations and their enforcement. Many supporters have questioned the necessity of such dramatic action against a beloved animal sanctuary.
The loss of Peanut represents more than the end of a social media presence. It marks the conclusion of a seven-year journey that inspired the creation of an animal sanctuary. In his final message to followers, Longo shared an emotional tribute while holding a framed drawing of Peanut. The moment captured the personal impact of losing a companion that had become central to both his family and their mission.
