In New York state, the Environmental Protection Agency has seized a famous squirrel with more than half a million Instagram followers. Officials took the animal named “Peanut” from its home in Pine City on Wednesday, owner Mark Longo said on Instagram. The New York Times quoted a statement from the authority as saying that they were responding to reports of illegal keeping of wild animals as pets.
Shortly after the separation, Longo feared that Peanut might be euthanized. He wrote in a post that he was shocked and disbelieving and didn’t know how to process the loss. Peanut was his best friend for seven years, the “center of my world.” He is now trying to submit an application to the authorities to get the animal back. More than 35,000 people have already signed a petition launched on Wednesday to the New York state government.
But the petition comes too late. It has now been revealed that authorities euthanized the squirrel shortly afterwards, reports the BBC.
Little star with a big task
With its presence on social networks, the little rodent was also the face of an animal rescue center founded by Longo and his wife, according to the New York Times. The couple have already rescued more than 300 animals, including cats, dogs, horses and pigs. The money needed for this was largely collected through cute Peanut videos on the Internet.
Longo found the animal seven years ago in New York City. His mother was run over by a car. The little squirrel simply climbed up his leg on a busy street, 34-year-old Longo told the newspaper.
Peanut – also called P’Nut – was cuddly and lovable. “But he behaved like a celebrity.” He had his own room in his house. He loved eating avocado and nibbling on black walnuts.
