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The Tragic Story Of Peanut The Squirrel’s Owner: Mark Longo’s $10 Million Lawsuit And Latest Update

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The viral saga of Peanut the Squirrel and his devoted owner, Mark Longo, captured the hearts of millions, but the story took a shocking and tragic turn in late 2024. As of this current date in December 2025, the focus has shifted from cute social media videos to a high-stakes legal battle, with Longo filing a massive lawsuit against New York state authorities.

The controversy surrounding the seizure and subsequent euthanasia of the beloved Eastern Gray Squirrel has made Mark Longo a figure at the center of a national debate on pet ownership, wildlife laws, and government overreach. Longo’s current fight is not just for compensation, but for a change in the way authorities handle rescued, non-releasable wildlife.

Mark Longo: Owner of Peanut the Squirrel and Sanctuary Founder

Mark Longo is best known as the owner of the internet-famous squirrel, Peanut, and the founder of P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary. His life was fundamentally changed by a simple act of rescue, which spiraled into years of social media stardom and, ultimately, a devastating legal confrontation.

  • Full Name: Mark Longo
  • Age: 34 years old (as of late 2024)
  • Wife: Daniela Longo
  • Location: Pine City, New York (near the Pennsylvania border)
  • Profession: Mechanical Engineer and Animal Sanctuary Founder
  • Sanctuary: Founder of P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, named after Peanut
  • The Rescue: Rescued Peanut, an orphaned Eastern Gray Squirrel kit, in 2017 after the squirrel's mother was hit by a car in New York City
  • Social Media Reach: Peanut’s accounts boasted over 535,000 followers on Instagram and 423,000 on Facebook
  • Current Legal Status: Filed a $10 million lawsuit against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

The Viral Rise and Tragic Fall of Peanut the Squirrel

Peanut’s journey from an orphaned kit to a social media phenomenon is a story of unlikely connection. Mark Longo found the tiny Eastern Gray Squirrel in 2017 and, after realizing the animal was non-releasable, chose to raise him, documenting their life together online.

The Unbreakable Bond and Online Fame

The duo quickly became a dynamic sensation on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Videos and photos of Peanut’s antics—eating snacks, cuddling with Longo, and even wearing tiny outfits—drew millions of views and established a massive, dedicated following.

Longo often shared that Peanut was like family, a non-releasable pet who lived a safe, enriched life. This connection resonated deeply with animal lovers worldwide, creating a positive, heartwarming online community centered around the tiny rodent.

The Shocking Seizure by New York DEC

The idyllic life came to a devastating halt in October 2024. Officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) raided Longo’s home in Pine City, New York.

The basis for the raid was the illegal possession of wildlife. In New York, it is illegal to keep Eastern Gray Squirrels as pets without the proper permits, even if they are non-releasable rescues.

During the raid, officials seized both Peanut the squirrel and Fred, a rescued raccoon also living on the property.

Euthanasia and the Viral Outrage

Within days of the seizure, both Peanut and Fred were euthanized by New York authorities. The DEC cited health and safety protocols, stating that the animals were illegally kept and could pose a public health risk, though Longo claimed he was in the process of certifying Peanut and that the animals were healthy.

The news sparked an immediate and intense online maelstrom. Fans and supporters were outraged, viewing the action as an excessive and cruel response to a beloved, non-releasable pet. The story quickly went viral, drawing criticism from media outlets and animal rights activists across the country.

Mark Longo's Legal Battle and Life After Peanut

Mark Longo and his wife, Daniela, were visibly devastated by the loss. Longo quickly pivoted his grief into action, launching a major legal offensive that has kept him in the headlines and continues to be the most current update on his life.

The $10 Million Lawsuit Against the DEC

Longo, with his attorney Nora Marino, filed a $10 million lawsuit against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The lawsuit alleges excessive force during the seizure and wrongful death of the animals.

The legal action is not only seeking financial compensation but is also intended to challenge the state's stringent wildlife laws, which Longo argues do not adequately account for non-releasable, domesticated rescues.

The case highlights the complex ethical and legal gray areas surrounding the ownership of exotic or wild animals that have been rehabilitated and cannot return to the wild. The outcome of the *Mark Longo lawsuit* is highly anticipated and could set a precedent for future rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

P’Nuts Freedom Farm and Future Efforts

Despite the tragedy, Longo remains committed to his work at P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary, named in honor of Peanut, is a testament to his dedication to animal welfare and rescue.

Longo continues to use his social media platform, which was built around Peanut, to advocate for animal rights and keep the legal battle in the public eye. His goal is to ensure no other rescuer has to endure a similar devastating loss.

A New Chapter: Howard the Puppy

In a recent and heartwarming update, Mark Longo and Daniela have adopted a new pet, a dog named Howard. The adoption of the new puppy signals a small step toward healing and a continuation of their commitment to providing a loving home for animals in need.

While no new pet can ever replace the unique bond Longo shared with Peanut, the presence of Howard helps fill the void left by the tragic seizure. Longo’s journey, marked by rescue, fame, tragedy, and legal action, serves as a powerful reminder of the deep emotional connections people form with their pets, regardless of species, and the challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to animal rescue.

The Tragic Story of Peanut the Squirrel’s Owner: Mark Longo’s $10 Million Lawsuit and Latest Update
peanut the squirrel owner
peanut the squirrel owner

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