Wisbech town councillors hold minute’s silence for famous internet squirrel
Their annual tradition pays tribute to notable figures and local residents who have passed away
Wisbech town councillors have honoured a TikTok-famous squirrel named Peanut during their annual minute’s silence, an 11-year-old tradition to remember those who died during the year.
Peanut, euthanised by authorities in New York as a potential biohazard, was described by Councillor Tierney as “a TikTok sensation, taken and killed by an out-of-control bureaucracy.” Alongside Peanut, Fred the Raccoon, another online personality, was also included in the remembrance.
The yearly tribute, first introduced over a decade ago, is held at the council’s final meeting of the year to commemorate both well-known individuals and local residents. Councillor Tierney explained, “This is not a complete or exhaustive list, and the council’s minute’s silence includes those unnamed as well as those named. Each individual who is no longer with us is a loss to us all.”
Who is Peanut the squirrel?
Peanut, was an orphaned squirrel who became a social media sensation. He was euthanized after New York authorities seized him during a raid on his caretaker's home. Mark Longo, who runs an animal sanctuary, had taken Peanut in seven years ago after finding him orphaned in New York City.
Over the years, Peanut amassed tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms, where videos of him jumping through hoops, eating waffles, and wearing hats delighted fans.
However, after an anonymous complaint, authorities from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) removed Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Longo's home in rural Pine City.
The DEC stated that the animals were living in conditions that posed a potential rabies risk, and Peanut had bitten someone during the investigation.
Both animals were euthanized for rabies testing, and their deaths were confirmed by health departments.
Wo else did Wisbech Town councillors remember?
This year’s list featured notable names such as Boris the chimpanzee, who lived to 58 at Chester Zoo, as well as entertainers, musicians, and sports personalities like James Earl Jones, Kris Kristofferson, and Geoff Capes.
Local residents Stuart Smith, Michael Bedford, Steven Williams, Kathleen Brennan, Avis Gilliatt, and Geoff Harvey were also remembered following requests from their families.
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