From Outrage to Memes: How Peanut the Squirrel Became a Viral Icon

The recent euthanization of Peanut the Squirrel, a beloved pet squirrel owned by content creator Mark Longo, has sparked widespread outrage and sadness online. Peanut, along with a raccoon, was seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) from Longo’s home in late October 2024 and subsequently euthanized. The squirrel, who had gained a loyal following through Longo’s dedicated Instagram account, became a familiar figure to many online. Comparisons to the infamous Harambe incident in 2016 surfaced almost immediately, as people expressed anger and frustration over what they see as an unnecessary and tragic loss. This outpouring of grief and frustration, however, quickly led to a wave of Peanut the Squirrel memes, with social media channels transforming the incident into a source of both commentary and humor.

The Rise of Peanut the Squirrel Memes

Peanut the Squirrel memes spread like wildfire as social media users responded to the news. Many memes drew comparisons to Harambe, another beloved animal whose death caused a significant public outcry. Using the same sense of irony and satire, users created P'nut the squirrel memes to capture their feelings about the NYDEC’s actions, blending humor with genuine outrage. In one popular meme, Peanut is depicted in heaven alongside Harambe, both of them donning angel wings with a caption that reads, “Gone but never forgotten.” This lighthearted yet poignant image encapsulates the internet’s humorous response to the controversial euthanization.

Some memes took a more sarcastic approach, questioning the priorities of the NYDEC in a tongue-in-cheek manner. Posts with captions like, “Criminal squirrels are clearly NY’s biggest problem” or “Rest in peace, P’nut, the biggest threat to public safety,” circulated widely. These Peanut the Squirrel memes became a platform for users to critique the NYDEC’s decision and poke fun at what they saw as an overreach in handling a pet squirrel beloved by thousands.

Twitter Reactions: Outrage Meets Humor

On Twitter, the mix of humor and frustration was on full display, with people sharing their thoughts through witty tweets and P'nut the squirrel memes. Fans of Peanut tweeted everything from mock “wanted” posters, declaring the squirrel a harmless creature, to jokes that the NYDEC must be “cracking down on the furry crime wave.” One popular tweet showed a Photoshopped image of Peanut in a courtroom, the caption humorously asserting, “Peanut was tried and convicted without a fair trial!” The tweet, along with countless others, gained traction as people expressed their disbelief over the incident.

Other Twitter users drew on the internet’s tendency to create fictionalized narratives around tragic events. Memes started circulating that showed Peanut the Squirrel as a hero in a “war against raccoons,” humorously suggesting that he was targeted for his bravery. These P'nut the squirrel memes turned a sad story into a humorous satire, with users creating their own narratives to cope with the frustrating reality of Peanut’s euthanization.

The Internet's Call to “Remember Peanut”

The “Remember Peanut” trend gained traction as fans started sharing images and stories of the squirrel, highlighting his personality and why he became such a beloved figure. Some P'nut the squirrel memes depicted Peanut as a fighter, showing him “standing up” against larger animals or “resisting” the NYDEC’s supposed crackdown. These memes allowed fans to transform their outrage into an entertaining homage, portraying Peanut as a mischievous rebel and symbol of resistance. By injecting humor into the situation, people have found a way to deal with the sadness surrounding his loss, creating a unique online tribute to the pet.

How the Memes Reflect Public Frustration

The popularity of Peanut the Squirrel memes also points to a broader frustration with government intervention in matters people feel should be left alone. For many, Peanut’s story is not just about a pet squirrel but a representation of what they see as overly rigid regulations impacting individuals’ lives. In response, the internet has created a wave of P'nut the squirrel memes that simultaneously entertain and highlight dissatisfaction with bureaucratic decisions. The humor is a way of processing the loss and coping with the absurdity of the situation, giving fans a means of collectively voicing their opinions.

The Lasting Legacy of P'nut

While the outcry over Peanut’s euthanization continues, it’s clear that his memory will live on through these memes. Just as Harambe's memory was immortalized through countless internet tributes, Peanut the Squirrel memes have ensured that this incident won’t soon be forgotten. As new memes and jokes emerge, fans of Peanut continue to find creative ways to keep his spirit alive online. The internet has once again demonstrated its power to turn heartbreak into humor, giving Peanut a legacy that transcends his life and keeps his memory alive in a way that only the digital world can.

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