Petitioners rally for the beloved rodent's release amid concern over its welfare and the implications of wildlife conservation laws.
Celeb Squirrel Peanut Sparks Outrage After Seizure by Authorities
Celeb Squirrel Peanut Sparks Outrage After Seizure by Authorities
Social media sensation Peanut the squirrel has captured the hearts of many, leading to a fierce battle for its return.
Mark Longo, the caretaker of the Instagram-famous squirrel Peanut, is urging New York state officials to return the creature after it was taken by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The agency conducted a raid on Longo's home, citing complaints regarding the animal's living conditions. In a fervent Instagram post on Wednesday, Longo expressed his outrage, describing those who reported him as deserving “a special place in hell,” and raised concerns over the fate of his beloved ash-colored pet.
Peanut enjoys a substantial following online, with over 500,000 followers captivated by the squirrel’s antics, which include playful skits, fashionable outfits, and delightful meals of waffles. Following the seizure, a petition demanding Peanut's return rapidly gained traction, amassing over 20,000 signatures by Friday morning. The DEC stated that their investigation was prompted by multiple public reports alleging unsafe housing for wildlife and the illegal ownership of wild animals.
Longo revealed his emotional connection with Peanut, having rescued the squirrel seven years ago after finding it abandoned following a car accident that claimed its mother. After nursing it back to health, he initially released Peanut into the wild, only to find it had returned to his home, injured. Alongside Peanut, authorities also confiscated a raccoon named Fred that Longo had taken in recently. The ongoing saga highlights the complex intersection of wildlife conservation and the deep bonds formed between humans and animals in today's society.
Peanut enjoys a substantial following online, with over 500,000 followers captivated by the squirrel’s antics, which include playful skits, fashionable outfits, and delightful meals of waffles. Following the seizure, a petition demanding Peanut's return rapidly gained traction, amassing over 20,000 signatures by Friday morning. The DEC stated that their investigation was prompted by multiple public reports alleging unsafe housing for wildlife and the illegal ownership of wild animals.
Longo revealed his emotional connection with Peanut, having rescued the squirrel seven years ago after finding it abandoned following a car accident that claimed its mother. After nursing it back to health, he initially released Peanut into the wild, only to find it had returned to his home, injured. Alongside Peanut, authorities also confiscated a raccoon named Fred that Longo had taken in recently. The ongoing saga highlights the complex intersection of wildlife conservation and the deep bonds formed between humans and animals in today's society.
