The world is mourning the loss of Peanut The Squirrel. The adorable critter became a social media celebrity with 690,000 Instagram followers. Owner Mark Longo is the man responsible for making Peanut a star and giving him a second chance at life. Longo rescued the squirrel seven years ago after the critter was injured. After nursing him back to health, Longo would then adopt Peanut and start a sanctuary to help rehabilitate animals. But now fans, including a few Hollywood celebs, are grieving his death alongside Longo.
Peanut’s death has become a topic of outrage and controversy. On October 30th, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ascended on Longo’s home amid complaints of illegal possession of wild animals and rabies concerns. Authorities raided Longo’s house for five hours before capturing Peanut and his brother Fred the Raccoon. Both animals were later euthanized after one officer was bitten during a scuffle.
A grief-stricken Longo and his wife Daniela are still in shock about the tragic loss of their pets. But the couple is fighting back. They’re already exploring legal action against NY DEC for its “excessive force” during its raid.
Hollywood Celebs Demand Justice for Peanut the Squirrel
After news of Peanut The Squirrel’s death broke, many people, including a few celebs, voiced their anger on social media.
Ozark star Tom Pelphrey posted an Instagram story on November 3rd, blasting the NY DEC.
Nothing better to do NYDEC?? Maybe help some animals who are in danger instead of seizing and killing someone’s loving rescue of 7 YEARS?!?! Disgusting behavior.
Star Trek icon William Shatner wrote on X:
I just heard about #PeanutTheSquirrel. He was 7 years old & a pet for 7 years. How could he be considered a wild animal when all he knew was being a pet?
You can say that about any animal, then in the State of NY.
Shame on the @NYDEC!
The very outspoken Elon Musk wrote on X:
Government overreach kidnapped an orphaned squirrel and executed him. The government should leave people and their animals alone.
As Peanut’s death gains more media attention and support from big stars, the NY DEC could finally repercussions for their actions. While justice will be served and it’ll keep owners and animals from experiencing similar ordeals, two innocent pets lost their lives.
Although gone, Peanut The Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon won’t be forgotten.
