Know all details about the USA couple Mark and Daniela Longo, who were the owner of the squirrel Peanut and Fred the Raccoon
On October 30, New York state officials euthanized Peanut, an orphaned squirrel who had become a social media sensation, after seizing him from his caretaker, Mark Longo. Reports indicate that officials raided Longo’s home, confiscating both Peanut and a rescued raccoon named Fred.
Who are Mark Longo and Daniela Longo owner of rescued Peanut the squirrel and Fred the Raccoon euthanized by New York state officials
Who is are Mark Longo and Daniela Longo?
Mark and Daniela Longo, a couple residing in Pine City, New York, near the Pennsylvania border, have captured widespread attention with their animal sanctuary and viral pets. Mark, a 34-year-old mechanical engineer, founded P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in 2023, named in honor of Peanut, a beloved squirrel they rescued. Since its inception, the sanctuary has grown to care for over 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas.
Recently, the Longos faced a heartbreaking ordeal. New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized their pets—Peanut the Squirrel and a raccoon named Fred—following complaints of potentially unsafe housing conditions. The DEC cited the need for rabies testing, ultimately euthanizing both animals, which left the Longos devastated. Reports indicate that Peanut bit a DEC officer during the raid, intensifying the situation.
The beloved social media star, with over 619,000 followers on Instagram and 100,000 followers on TikTok alone, Pet the squirrel was euthanized by New York state wildlife officials as part of a test for rabies.
Mark Longo, Peanut‘s owner said that excessive force was used to seize the pet squirrel, as state wildlife officials said it was illegal to own Peanut.
Mark Longo live on TikTok talks about how gruesome they were & Judge Richard Rich signed peanut’s death warrant. pic.twitter.com/3mLhYjSciU
— Me Xs (@_xtweets__) November 2, 2024
The tragic news gained national attention, drawing comments from figures like Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. In response, Mark and Daniela have announced plans to pursue legal action against the county, vowing that “Peanut did not die in vain.” Though they have not specified the exact steps they will take, Mark has publicly condemned what he perceives as an abuse of power by state authorities.
Mark shared that he had been in the process of obtaining certification for Peanut as an educational animal, which would have aligned with state regulations for keeping wild animals. Rescued seven years ago after its mother was killed in a car accident, Peanut returned to the Longos after an initial attempt to release it into the wild, and had lived with them ever since.
Mark Longo’s most cherished and famous pet, Peanut, was taken and euthanized in just 48 hours by New York Department of Environmental Conservation.
According to Lango, the agency broke into his home without a warrant and took the harmless squirrel away.
P’Nut” was put to… pic.twitter.com/vZZJBEQUto
— Zaki Solja (@zakisolja) November 2, 2024