The internet is mourning the loss of Peanut, the beloved squirrel who captured hearts worldwide with his charming antics on social media. The viral sensation, known for his playful personality and endearing videos, was tragically euthanized by New York state authorities after being seized from his caretaker’s home last week.
The decision to euthanize Peanut was made after officials from the New York Department of Environmental Protection (DEC) received anonymous complaints and subsequently raided the residence of Mark Longo, Peanut’s caretaker. The raid also resulted in the seizure of a raccoon named Fred, who was also living at the residence.
Both Peanut and Fred were euthanized to allow for rabies testing, as the DEC cited the potential for human exposure due to the animals sharing a residence with humans. Additionally, an individual involved in the investigation had been bitten by Peanut.
Peanut’s death has sparked widespread sadness and disappointment among his dedicated online followers, who were drawn to his playful nature and heartwarming interactions with Longo. Videos of Peanut playing with his caretaker, eating waffles, and jumping through hoops went viral, generating thousands of followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Longo, who runs an animal sanctuary, expressed his grief in an Instagram post, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the need for change in how authorities address such situations.
The incident has raised concerns about the animal welfare practices involved in such situations and sparked discussions surrounding rabies protocols. The DEC’s decision to euthanize Peanut, a seemingly harmless creature, has drawn criticism from some who question whether less drastic measures could have been taken to ensure public safety while also respecting the animal’s life.
Peanut’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the bond humans can form with animals, the impact of viral fame, and the complexities surrounding animal welfare and public safety. The internet, left heartbroken, continues to mourn the loss of a beloved online icon.
