Peanut the Squirrel Euthanized, Social Media Star's Owner Says: 'Sorry I Failed You'

Mar. 15, 2025

Peanut the Squirrel.Photo:gofundme

gofundme

Beloved social media star Peanut the Squirrel is dead, his owner announced on Friday.

“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,” said Longo in astatement shared on Peanut’s Instagram accounton Friday, Nov. 1.

Peanut the Squirrel/Instagram

Peanut’s death was confirmed in a joint statement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Chemung County Department of Health shared with PEOPLE.

“The Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are coordinating to ensure the protection of public health related to the illegal possession of wild animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus,” the statement read.

PEOPLE reached out to the Department of Environment Conservation for an update but did not immediately hear back.

Peanut the Squirrel with his owner Mark Longo.Peanut The Squirrel/Instagram

Peanut The Squirrel/Instagram

Longo expressed his “anguish” in his Instagram statement, stating that he is “in deep shock and grief” over the “troubling lack of respect and empathy” regarding the matter.

“Their lives were precious, and we refuse to accept this loss in silence,” his statement continued.

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The update comes hours afterLongo expressed that there was a “small chance” they could still get Peanut home. He asked his followers to continue supporting aChange.org petitionand aGoFundMe campaignmade to help “cover legal fees for attorneys who will assist us in addressing the damage caused and ensuring Peanut’s return to his loving home.”

In a second post on Friday, a tearful Longo shared anInstagram videoof himself holding a drawing of Peanut.

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“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_farmcontinue to help animals like peanut,” the caption read.

source: people.com