Internet Star Peanut The Squirrel Seized And Euthanized: 'He's Been The Center Of My World'

Animal lovers are mourning the loss of a squirrel who stole the hearts of many online. Peanut the Squirrel, owned by Mark Longo, was seized and euthanized earlier this week. Longo is speaking out about the "selfish" people who had a hand in Peanut's unfair demise.

Peanut was well known on Instagram and TikTok, as Longo shared many videos and photos of his furry best friend. He recently took to Instagram to share the sad events that happened this week.

Longo took to Instagram to share his frustration, anger, and sadness about what happened to the squirrel he called his "best friend."

"Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there's a special place in hell for you," he began his Instagram caption. "Today at 10 am Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024...The NYC State DEC showed up to my house and took Peanut. He was TAKEN to the EUTHANIZED."

He continued his caption to explain that he's "in shock, disbelief, and disgusted" about who did this to Peanut.

"For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. He's been the center of my world and many of yours for so long. I don't know how to process this, emotionally," he continued. "Last year we moved to NY in hopes of starting a NONPROFIT animal rescue in PNUT's name."

Longo's caption continued to share his frustration and explain that he's not sure how he will be able to keep the funding the rescues without Peanut.

"With over 350 rescues, we've relied heavily on PNUT and his internet family to gather donations to help more animals," he explained. "I don't even know how I will continue to fundraise for this nonprofit."

Longo said he will be taking a break from social media, and that he will be setting up a fundraiser for anyone who wants to donate in Peanut's name.

"I'll never give up on this nonprofit or those who fell in love with Peanut," he concluded his caption.

Fans of the popular, sweet squirrel took to the comment section to share their disbelief and sadness over what happened.

"I can’t believe I am reading this. Why can’t miserable people just let others be happy. And WHY in the right mind would any agency euthanize him. I’m so sorry. This is so maddening and sickening," one follower wrote.

Another added, "I am absolutely HORRIFIED and sick to my stomach reading this. I literally cannot believe that 1) this is how the laws in the state of NY are and 2) that anyone would go out of their way to report you. What an absolute tragedy. My heart breaks for you guys and for sweet baby Peanut."

Just a few hours ago, Longo shared an emotional video on Peanut's Instagram page holding back tears.

"I just want to say thank you to all of you. Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us, and we got confirmation that they put him down," he said. "I want to continue to fight this fight as much as I can, but we need all of you to come together and help us. Please continue to help us to raise money for the ongoing legal battles and for the nonprofit so we can keep Peanut's name alive. Thank you all."

The video's caption shares more of the story.

"RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I’m sorry I failed you but thank you for everything. Yall we desperately need your help. Help us raise the money to fight this and help @pnuts_freedom_farm continue to help animals like peanut," the caption reads.

Many left their thoughts and condolences in the comment section.

"This is disgusting that he was euthanized, without even allowing you an opportunity for a hearing of some sort," one person wrote. Another said, "What happened here is such a tragedy. How dare they treat you this way & murder your fur babies! We all stand with you in getting justice for Peanut."

A petition and a GoFundMe asks for help from fans and animal lovers for change and reform. Over on Change.org, a petition with an "urgent call to action" has been signed by more than 31,000 people. On GoFundMe, more than $14,000 has been raised so far.

The GoFundMe explains that Peanut was euthanized, as well as Longo's raccoon, Fred.

"It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30th, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief. To add to our anguish, they informed the media of their decision before even notifying P'nuts Freedom Farm, his loving home. This demonstrates a troubling lack of respect and empathy. Their lives were precious, and we refuse to accept this loss in silence," the GoFundMe description reads.

"We urgently call on all of you to stand with us in demanding accountability from the DEC and the New York State government.  We must advocate for a more passionate approach to wildlife management to ensure that no other animals suffer such a fate. Together, we can amplify our voices and fight for the change that is desperately needed."

With more than 537,000 followers on Instagram and an additional 6,000 on TikTok, it's safe to say that Peanut will be missed by many.

Just a few days before tragedy struck, Longo shared a video of Peanut climbing onto his head to get a waffle. The video also features other animals that Longo cares for.

Peanut's Instagram page has more than 1,400 videos of the talented little squirrel.