ELMIRA, N.Y. — A squirrel with nearly a million social media followers was euthanized after New York Department of Environmental Conservation officers seized the animal from a local sanctuary.
The squirrel, known as Peanut, was taken during a raid at Pnut’s Freedom Farm, along with a raccoon, following complaints about wildlife housing conditions and concerns over illegal pet ownership. The DEC executed a search warrant at the sanctuary.
Mark Longo, the sanctuary’s founder, confirmed Peanut’s euthanization in an emotional Instagram post. “Peanut was the best thing to ever happen to us,” Longo said.
Longo rescued the squirrel seven years ago after witnessing its mother being struck by a car. In 2023, he established Pnut’s Freedom Farm in Elmira as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary, which has since rescued more than 350 animals.
The sanctuary, staffed by veterinarians and caregivers, relied heavily on Peanut’s social media presence for funding. “You didn’t just ruin my family, you ruined an organization that saved over 300 animals in its first year,” Longo said of the DEC’s actions.
During the raid, Longo reported that eight officers searched his property. “They ransacked my house for a squirrel and a raccoon and made me sit outside where I wasn’t allowed to use the bathroom without a police escort,” he said.
The DEC has not disclosed the source of the complaints that led to the raid.
Supporters have launched a Change.org petition calling for reform of DEC policies and “justice for Peanut.”
