Peanut, a domesticated black squirrel who rose to fame on Instagram with over 537,000 followers, has been euthanized by New York authorities. Peanut was beloved for his antics, including nibbling on waffles and wearing tiny costumes, captivating fans worldwide.

A Heartbreaking Rescue Story

Mark Longo, a New Yorker, rescued Peanut after witnessing the squirrel’s mother being killed by a car. Longo bottle-fed the baby squirrel and initially tried to release him into the wild. However, Peanut faced challenges, losing part of his tail, and ultimately returned to live with Longo for seven years, becoming a social media star on the account @peanut_the_squirrel12.

In an emotional Instagram post, Longo expressed his grief, stating, “Internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.” He added, “For the last seven years, Peanut has been my best friend,” reflecting the profound bond they shared.

Euthanasia and Rabies Testing

The Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that both Peanut and a raccoon living with Longo were euthanized to test for rabies. The DEC stated, “On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies.” They confirmed that a staff member was bitten during the investigation. The DEC urged anyone who had been exposed to the animals to consult a doctor for advice.

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Longo’s Ongoing Fight and Animal Sanctuary

Longo shared his frustration, saying, “The fight goes on,” and he appealed for donations to help with legal fees and plans for an animal sanctuary. He and his wife, Daniela, opened P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023, which now houses around 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas. Longo revealed that he was in the process of obtaining certification for Peanut as an educational animal when the seizure occurred.

This incident has sparked discussions about the complexities of keeping wild animals as pets and the responsibilities of their caretakers.

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