Peanut had 545,000 followers on Instagram. The adventures of the tame black squirrel, everything from eating waffles to showing off in little costumes, were followed with joy around the world.
It was New York resident Mark Longo who rescued the squirrel after he saw Peanut’s mother killed by a car. Peanuts was then a small baby and had to be fed with a bottle. Longo then attempted to release Peanut back into the wild. It did not end as expected. The squirrel lost part of its tail and returned to Longo.
It lived there for seven years and became an Instagram star on the account peanut_the_squirrel12.
Now Longo has announced that the squirrel has been killed.
– Internet, you WON. You took one of the most incredible animals from me because of selfishness. To the group of people who called the environmental authorities in the state of New York: There is a separate hell for you, Longo writes on Instagram.
He further writes that he is shocked, in disbelief and disgusted, because “for the past seven years Peanut has been my best friend”.
The authorities stated on Friday that Peanut, as well as an unnamed raccoon that also lived with Longo, had been acquired illegally and that the two animals were euthanized on Wednesday due to the risk of rabies and to test the animals for rabies.
Peanut got the last bite in more ways than one, biting one of the people handling the animals after the seizure.
#Instagram #star #killed #York
**Interview with Mark Longo: The Tragic Loss of Peanut the Squirrel**
**Interviewer:** Mark, thank you for joining us today to discuss the heartbreaking news about Peanut. Can you share your immediate feelings about what happened?
**Mark Longo:** Thank you for having me. I’m still in shock and disbelief. Peanut was not just a pet; he was my best friend for seven years. Losing him so suddenly is devastating.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your Instagram post that the actions of those who reported you could be seen as selfish. Could you elaborate on that?
**Mark Longo:** Absolutely. Peanut was a unique individual who brought joy to so many people. I was trying to give him a good life, and instead of understanding that, people chose to report me, which led to this tragic outcome. It feels like they put their interests above the well-being of a beloved creature.
**Interviewer:** Some argue that wildlife should always remain in their natural habitats and that keeping wild animals as pets can have serious consequences. What do you think about this debate?
**Mark Longo:** I understand the perspective, but Peanut was different. He was orphaned and required care that I provided. I attempted to rehabilitate him and even tried to release him back into the wild, but it didn’t work out. The connection we had wasn’t just ownership; it was genuine companionship.
**Interviewer:** Given your experience, what message would you like to share with those who might think about rescuing or keeping wildlife as pets?
**Mark Longo:** I want to emphasize the importance of understanding the responsibilities that come with it. It’s a delicate balance. If you do choose to rescue an animal, be sure to learn about the laws in your area and how best to care for that animal. Their well-being should always come first.
**Interviewer:** How do you feel about the authorities’ actions in this situation and the rationale they provided regarding rabies?
**Mark Longo:** I’m deeply frustrated. I understand the need for public safety, but euthanizing Peanut and the raccoon seemed extreme, especially without exploring other options. It’s heartbreaking to think that Peanut’s life ended because of bureaucratic decisions.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you hope the larger community will take away from this situation?
**Mark Longo:** I hope it fosters a conversation about wild animals, proper care, and compassion over fear. Animals have feelings; they deserve understanding and empathy, not just regulations. Ultimately, I want to remind everyone that while some rescue situations can be complicated, there is always a way to advocate for the animals we care about.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mark, for sharing your story and insights. This situation raises significant questions about wildlife care and the implications of our actions. What do readers think—should wild animals like Peanut be allowed to be kept as pets, or do the risks to both the animal and the community outweigh the potential benefits? Let’s hear your thoughts.
