In a dramatic turn of events, New York state authorities have seized a beloved social media sensation – a squirrel named Peanut (or P’Nut)- sparking anger among his half-million followers and raising questions about wildlife regulations in the digital age.
The Raid That Shocked Social Media
At least six officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) descended upon Mark Longo’s Pine City home on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 (ref).
Without a search warrant, authorities confiscated both Peanut and a recently rescued raccoon named Fred, leaving Longo devastated and his massive online following in disbelief.
A Tale of Unexpected Friendship
Seven years ago, mechanical engineer Mark Longo witnessed a tragic scene in New York City when Peanut’s mother was struck by a car.
After rescuing the orphaned squirrel, Longo attempted to release him back into the wild. Fate had other plans when Peanut returned injured, missing half his tail, leading to his permanent residence with the Longos.
From Rescue to Social Media Stardom
Throughout the years, Peanut’s charming personality and unique lifestyle captured the hearts of millions online. The squirrel amassed an impressive following of 533,000 Instagram followers and 423,000 Facebook fans.
His signature appearances included wearing miniature cowboy hats and eating waffles while sporting crocheted bunny ears.
Legal Complications & Sanctuary Dreams
Inspired by his bond with Peanut, Longo established P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023 (ref). The sanctuary currently houses approximately 300 animals (ref), including horses, goats, and alpacas.
Despite acknowledging New York’s wildlife ownership laws, Longo claims he was actively pursuing proper certification for Peanut as an educational animal when the seizure occurred. This ambitious project was born out of Longo’s desire to create a safe haven for neglected and abandoned animals.
The sanctuary’s website describes it as a “refuge where animals receive a second chance at life.” In addition to the larger farm animals, the sanctuary is home to a diverse array of creatures, including geese, cows, and even a potbelly pig.
Longo runs the sanctuary alongside his wife, Daniela, and other family members, demonstrating a collective commitment to animal welfare. The sanctuary’s creation was a significant life change for Longo, who relocated from Norwalk, Connecticut, to upstate New York to pursue this dream.
His background as a mechanical engineer provided him with problem-solving skills that have proven valuable in managing the complex needs of such a diverse animal population. The sanctuary not only serves as a home for rescued animals but also aims to educate the public about animal care and conservation, with Peanut originally intended to play a key role in these educational efforts.
Uncertain Future
Currently, Peanut’s fate remains unknown, with Longo expressing grave concerns about possible euthanization.
The DEC has maintained silence regarding the animal’s whereabouts or condition, citing an ongoing investigation into “potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies.” Meanwhile, Longo has initiated both a Change.org petition (ref) and a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal expenses in his fight to recover Peanut (ref).
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
