New York
Famous Instagram squirrel Peanut euthanized by authorities
Mourning for Peanut: The internet rodent is dead. The squirrel had over half a million followers on Instagram. His owner is now making allegations.
Mark Longo, the owner of the little rodent, is devastated. “Rest in peace my best friend,” he wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for the best seven years of my life. Thank you for bringing us and the world so much joy. I’m sorry I disappointed you, but thank you for everything.”
State Department of Environmental Protection officials removed the animal, along with a raccoon named Fred, from Mark Longo’s home in rural Pine City near the Pennsylvania border on Wednesday. The New York Times quoted a statement from the authority saying they were responding to reports of illegal keeping of wild animals as pets.
Peanut Squirrel was famous on Instagram
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Chemung Health Department confirmed to CBS News that they euthanized the two animals on Friday. There was a risk of rabies infection. “Also, a person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” said the statement. “Anyone who has come into contact with these animals is advised to contact their doctor.”
According to his owner, Peanut was found and adopted seven years ago in New York City after his mother was hit by a car. The little squirrel climbed up his leg on a busy street, Longo, 34, said in an interview with the New York Times. With his presence on social networks, the small rodent was also the face of an animal rescue center founded by Longo and his wife and even had his own room. The couple already has more than 300 rescued animals, including cats, dogs, horses and pigs. The money needed for this was raised mostly through Peanut videos on the Internet.
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Longo has now started an online petition in which he asks for donations and denounces the actions of the authorities “Stand with us for justice,” he says. “We need to support more humane treatment of wildlife to ensure that no other animal suffers the same.” The officers ignored all their pleas and requests, did not turn on their body cameras and treated the owners like criminals, for example by asking about their immigration status. “We must demand that our wildlife authorities follow proper procedures and that we treat everyone fairly and respectfully, regardless of the situation.” The GoFundMe page had already raised more than $32,000 as of Saturday.
Watch the video above: Image search for real professionals: The aim is to find the squirrel that stands out from the crowd. Can you spot the difference within 15 seconds?
Time.news Editor: Good evening and welcome to our special segment. Today, we’re talking about an unexpected and saddening event that has captured the hearts of many— the euthanization of Peanut, the famous Instagram squirrel. With us is Dr. Charlotte Greene, a wildlife rehabilitation expert who has extensive experience with urban wildlife and the complexities of keeping wild animals as pets. Dr. Greene, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Charlotte Greene: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, though under such tragic circumstances.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Peanut had amassed quite a following online and really became an internet sensation. Can you speak to the phenomenon of domesticated wildlife like squirrels gaining popularity on social media?
Dr. Charlotte Greene: Certainly! Animals like Peanut capture our hearts because they appear so relatable and endearing. Their quirks and personalities shine through in the short videos, making them seem almost like little companions. However, it’s critical to remember that they are still wild animals. Despite their social media fame, they have specific needs that require professional care and understanding.
Time.news Editor: That’s a very important point. Mark Longo, Peanut’s owner, is heartbroken after the loss, stating he treated Peanut as his best friend and found him as a baby after a tragic accident. Can you explain the risks and responsibilities associated with adopting wild animals like squirrels?
Dr. Charlotte Greene: Absolutely. While Mark’s intentions were good, keeping a wild animal like a squirrel comes with significant challenges. Wild animals can develop stress, receive inadequate nutrition, and have unpredictable behavior that can pose risks to both the animal and the owner. Peanut’s situation reflects broader issues about wildlife rehabilitation and the ethics of keeping such animals as pets.
Time.news Editor: Peanut’s euthanization appears to be a direct consequence of concerns regarding rabies after a bite incident. What does this say about the potential dangers of human-wildlife interactions, especially in urban environments?
Dr. Charlotte Greene: Unfortunately, that situation underscores a grim reality. When wild animals are kept in close proximity to humans and experience stress—such as being handled—they might react defensively. Rabies is a significant concern—the disease can be fatal. When reports arise about the illegal keeping of wild animals, authorities often have to intervene for public safety.
Time.news Editor: This case also raises questions about wildlife regulations. How can urban areas better manage wildlife and educate the public about these responsibilities?
Dr. Charlotte Greene: Education is key. We need to foster understanding about the nature of wild animals and the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with them. Communities can benefit from workshops, resources, and disincentives for keeping wild animals as pets. Additionally, local wildlife agencies could enhance rescue programs specifically tailored for urban settings.
Time.news Editor: Peanut’s owner mentioned that the videos he created helped raise funds for an animal rescue center. Is there a way to leverage social media in a positive manner for wildlife conservation efforts?
Dr. Charlotte Greene: Definitely! Social media is a powerful tool. It offers platforms for awareness and fundraising for wildlife rehabilitation. Engaging stories, educational content about native species, and calls for action can positively impact conservation efforts. It’s about shifting focus from individual animals to the broader picture of ecosystem health and the role of conservation.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Greene, for sharing your insights. Peanut may be gone, but discussions like these can help honor his legacy and educate others about the responsible interaction with wildlife.
Dr. Charlotte Greene: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we keep this conversation going for the sake of our wildlife and communities.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Let’s continue to reflect on our connection with nature and ensure it is one that promotes health and safety for both humans and wild animals alike.