ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — A fundraiser honoring Peanut, a squirrel whose story went viral after he was seized from his owner and euthanized, will be held in Elmira in less than one week.
Ill Eagle Taphouse, located at 200 East Church St., is holding its P’Nut Fundraiser from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8. The cover charge for this event is $5 cash, and a portion of drink and food proceeds will go to P’Nut’s Freedom Farm. The Rascal Kings will play live music during the event. The Fundraiser is cohosted by Elmira Downtown Development.
P’Nuts Freedom Farm is a non-profit animal sanctuary run by Mark and Daniela Longo that’s home to more than 300 animals who were neglected or homeless. The sanctuary was named for and inspired by the Longo’s late pet squirrel, Peanut (also known as P’Nut).
Mark Longo rescued Peanut the squirrel after his mother was hit by a car and kept him as a pet for seven years after he was deemed unreleaseable. Videos of Peanut became popular online, and the squirrel’s accounts amassed more than 1 million followers across multiple platforms. The Longos moved to Pine City to help animals by starting their sanctuary in 2023.
Officers from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from the Longo’s home on a search warrant on Oct. 30. Peanut and Fred were euthanized due to concerns about rabies, according to the DEC.
The Longos relied heavily on Peanut’s internet presence to raise money to run their sanctuary, and Mark Longo expressed concern about how the couple would be able to fundraise without Peanut, who was also a much-loved companion.
Those who would like to help P’Nut’s Freedom Farm can attend Ill Eagle’s fundraiser or donate on the sanctuary’s website.
