Peanut, a popular orphaned squirrel, was euthanized after state authorities confiscated him during a raid on his caretaker’s home, officials announced on Friday.
The seizure occurred on Wednesday when officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation acted on anonymous complaints, taking Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo’s residence near the Pennsylvania border in Pine City.
On Friday, both the DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health confirmed the outcome for the animals. They stated, “On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel living with humans, posing a potential risk for rabies transmission. Additionally, one person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized.” They urged anyone who had come into contact with the animals to seek medical advice.
Neither agency responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Peanut gained a large following on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms over the seven years since Mark Longo, who operates an animal sanctuary, rescued him after witnessing his mother being struck by a car in New York City.
Peanut’s Instagram account features the squirrel performing tricks, such as jumping onto Longo’s shoulder, leaping through hoops, eating waffles, and wearing tiny hats.
In an emotional Instagram post, Longo expressed deep sorrow over the euthanasia of Peanut and Fred, stating, “On October 30th, the DEC made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut and Fred. Despite our desperate appeals for compassion, the agency disregarded our pleas, leaving us in shock and grief.” The post included a video montage of the animals with their smiling caretakers.
Mark Longo and his wife, Daniela, launched P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023, where they care for about 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas. Longo mentioned he was in the process of getting Peanut certified as an educational animal when the seizure occurred.