A seven-year-old gray squirrel named Peanut won over 500,000 social media fans. This rescue squirrel, cared for by Mark Longo, charmed everyone with his fun and loving nature.
Peanut’s rise to fame started seven years ago. Longo, a New York resident, saw the squirrel’s mother get hit by a car. Moved, Longo rescued Peanut and welcomed him home, starting a special bond.
As Peanut grew, so did Longo’s care for him. Their fun moments, caught on camera, drew in fans on Instagram and TikTok. Peanut’s charm was clear as he wore tiny cowboy hats and crocheted bunny ears, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Peanut the Squirrel became a viral internet sensation, amassing over 500,000 social media followers.
- Peanut was rescued by Mark Longo seven years ago after witnessing the squirrel’s mother hit by a car.
- Longo’s dedication to Peanut’s well-being and the pair’s playful antics captured on camera captivated audiences worldwide.
- Peanut’s endearing personality and unique outfits, like tiny cowboy hats and crocheted bunny ears, contributed to his rise to fame.
- The story of Peanut the Squirrel’s viral success highlights the power of social media and the public’s fascination with heartwarming animal tales.
The Heartwarming Rescue That Started It All
In New York City, Mark Longo, a 34-year-old nature lover, saw a sad scene. A squirrel was hit by a car, and its mom was dead. Longo quickly picked up the injured squirrel, starting a journey that made Peanut the Squirrel famous.
A Mother’s Tragedy Leads to an Unexpected Bond
Longo knew he had to care for the squirrel fast. He took Peanut home and nursed him back to health. As Peanut got better, a strong bond grew between them.
The Failed Release and Peanut’s Return
After eight months, Longo tried to release Peanut into the wild. But Peanut came back, injured and missing part of his tail. Longo decided to keep Peanut as a pet, strengthening their special connection.
The Beginning of a Special Connection
From then on, Peanut and Longo were inseparable. Their bond grew stronger every day. Their story captured the hearts of many wildlife photography fans and cute animal clips lovers online.
Peanut the Squirrel Viral: Rising to Social Media Stardom
Peanut the Squirrel became famous when his caretaker, Mark Longo, shared cute videos online. Longo’s posts showed Peanut’s fun side, winning the hearts of many. This made Peanut a beloved online influencer animal and social media animal star.
Peanut’s videos were full of fun moments. He’d jump on Longo’s shoulder, wear tiny cowboy hats, and even eat waffles in bunny ears. These moments made people love him even more, boosting his fame and media attention.
Peanut’s videos got millions of views on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. People loved his cute actions and his bond with Longo. His story also highlighted the need for wildlife care and responsible pet ownership.
Peanut’s fame showed how online influencer animals and social media animal stars can touch hearts. He proved that even small creatures can make a big difference. His story brought people closer to nature and each other.
Sadly, Peanut passed away in 2021. But his memory lives on, showing the impact of social media and human-animal bonds. His story still motivates people to care for all creatures, big or small.
Life with Mark Longo: Creating Viral Content
Mark Longo, the owner of P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, shared many viral videos of Peanut, his squirrel friend. These videos showed their special bond and life together, touching the hearts of millions.
Iconic Moments and Memorable Outfits
Longo dressed Peanut in fun outfits, like tiny cowboy hats and crocheted bunny ears. These outfits and Peanut’s cute antics made him a viral sensation. He became a symbol of viral marketing through animals.
Daily Adventures and Special Appearances
Longo’s videos showed Peanut’s daily life, from cuddling to exploring the sanctuary. Their human-animal bond that captured hearts was clear in every video. Peanut went on many adventures and special events with Longo.
“Peanut had a way of bringing joy and laughter to everyone who encountered him, whether it was through his quirky outfits or his infectious energy. He was truly a one-of-a-kind star.”
Peanut’s story was shared in many places, like USA Today and TV shows. This made him even more famous as an unlikely animal celebrity.
P’Nut’s Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary
Mark Longo and his wife Daniela were inspired by the internet’s love for squirrels. They opened the P’Nut’s Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in upstate New York in April 2023. Now, it’s home to about 300 animals, like horses, goats, and alpacas, all rescued.
The Longo family and their team turned their love for animals into a big rescue effort. They were inspired by their bond with Peanut. They aim to give a safe place to animals in need and teach about treating animals right.
| Sanctuary Statistics | Fundraising Efforts |
|---|---|
| Approximately 300 animals sheltered | $132,000 raised on GoFundMe |
| Diverse species including horses, goats, and alpacas | $800,000 earned from OnlyFans page in one month |
The sanctuary does more than just give animals a home. It also teaches visitors about the internet’s obsession with squirrels. It encourages them to care for animals responsibly.
“We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of these animals and educating the public about the importance of protecting wildlife and domestic creatures alike,” said Mark Longo, the founder of P’Nut’s Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary.
The sanctuary’s story, like Peanut’s, has touched hearts worldwide. It shows how strong human-animal bonds can change lives and communities.
The Legal Challenges of Keeping Wildlife as Pets
Owning wild animals as pets is a complex issue. It has strict rules to protect animals and people. Peanut the squirrel’s case shows the balance between animal welfare and personal freedom.
New York State Regulations
In New York, owning wildlife without a license is illegal. Mark Longo, Peanut’s owner, knew this. He was getting a license to have Peanut as an educational animal.
The Battle for Educational Animal Status
Longo’s fight for educational animal status shows how laws are changing. With more wildlife photography and exotic pets, there’s a debate. Longo wants to follow the rules and care for Peanut right.
Public Response and Support
The public has shown a lot of support for Peanut. Over half a million people on social media back Longo. They care about Peanut’s well-being and the bond between Longo and Peanut.
The case of Peanut the squirrel is important. It shows how laws are changing to protect wildlife. The outcome could affect wildlife photography and exotic pets in the U.S.
The Controversial Seizure
On October 30, 2024, a shocking event shook the animal-loving world. Officers from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) raided Mark Longo’s home in Pine City. They targeted Peanut, a beloved social media star, and his raccoon friend, Fred. This move sparked outrage and disbelief from Peanut’s fans.
Longo had rescued Peanut seven years ago after its mother was hit by a car. He described the raid as a “drug bust.” The DEC acted on complaints about the animals’ living conditions, leading to public backlash.
“It’s like they raided my home like I’m some kind of criminal,” Longo said, visibly shaken by the ordeal.
The seizure of Peanut and Fred highlighted the legal issues around owning wild animals. Longo claimed he was working to certify Peanut as an educational animal. However, the authorities said his efforts were not enough.
Tragically, the DEC decided to euthanize Peanut and Fred. They said it was to test them for rabies after Peanut bit someone. This decision outraged many, with social media users and public figures condemning the government’s actions.
Donald Trump Jr. used Peanut’s death to make a political point. He argued the government should focus on more important issues than “pet squirrels.” New York Rep. Nick Langworthy also criticized the DEC, saying they should have focused on other concerns like flood mitigation.
The online community was shocked by the situation. They questioned the authorities’ decision to seize and euthanize the beloved animals. A Change.org petition collected over 18,000 signatures, calling for Peanut’s return.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Change.org Petition Signatures | 18,000 |
| Instagram Followers | 532,000 |
| Facebook Followers | 423,000 |
The seizure of Peanut and Fred broke the hearts of their fans. It raised questions about wildlife protection laws and our attachment to animal celebrities. The incident’s aftermath continues to spark debates about government regulation of wild animal ownership.
The DEC Investigation and Its Aftermath
Peanut the Squirrel, a social media star with over 500,000 followers, faced a sad end. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) started an investigation after getting tips about Peanut’s home. They were worried about the risk of rabies.
Anonymous Complaints and Their Impact
These tips led to a DEC raid on Peanut’s caretaker, Mark Longo’s home. The DEC said Longo was keeping Peanut and a raccoon, Fred, illegally. They claimed he didn’t have the right licenses.
The Raid and Its Consequences
The raid was a shock to Peanut’s fans. Longo said 10 to 12 DEC officers came to his house. They had a judge’s order to take Peanut and Fred.
Peanut bit one of the officers, leading to a tough decision. Both animals were euthanized to test for rabies. This move upset many of Peanut’s fans.
Longo was heartbroken and started a petition and GoFundMe to help. He wanted to cover legal costs and bring Peanut back home.
The DEC’s actions and the raid were a sad end for Peanut. The online community is still upset. Longo’s sanctuary and legal battles show Peanut’s lasting impact.
Public Reaction and Community Support
The seizure and death of Peanut, a social media star, caused a big outcry. Mark Longo, Peanut’s caretaker, shared his sadness and anger online. He blamed internet trolls for the complaints that led to Peanut’s death.
Peanut, a squirrel with hundreds of thousands of followers, was loved online. He lived with Longo for seven years. Longo’s sanctuary, P’Nut’s Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, has 300 animals, including horses and goats.
Longo started a campaign to raise awareness and support for legal fights. The case showed the challenges of wildlife laws and our emotional bonds with pets.
“Peanut the Squirrel has over 1 million followers across various social media platforms, with 532,000 on Instagram, 423,000 on Facebook, and over 2 million views on TikTok,” Longo stated, underscoring the widespread impact and adoration Peanut had garnered.
A petition was started to bring Peanut back home. It showed the community’s support for the beloved animal star. The public’s reaction highlighted our deep connection with viral pets and the need to protect them.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Peanut and Wildlife Protection Laws
Peanut the squirrel’s journey has touched the hearts of millions. His rise to fame has made us think more about our relationship with wildlife. It shows the need for better laws to protect animals and teach us about them.
The story of Peanut’s seizure and death highlights the need for clear rules. It shows the challenges rescue groups face. They work hard to help animals, but laws can be confusing.
Peanut’s story reminds us of our love for animal celebrities and our duty to care for wildlife. His impact will keep shaping talks about protecting animals and our connection with nature.
