Internet Sensation Peanut the Squirrel Inspires Unprecedented Meme Coin Boom on Solana
Peanut the squirrel, once a beloved social media icon, has now left an indelible mark on the internet and beyond. Known for his playful antics and heartwarming relationship with his rescuer, Mark Longo, Peanut captivated a following of 500,000 on Instagram. Their journey together began seven years ago in New York City, where Longo found the young squirrel after a tragic accident that left Peanut's mother dead. Unable to return to the wild due to his injuries, Peanut found solace and care with Longo, cementing a unique bond between man and animal.
However, on October 30, 2024, this heartwarming tale took a dark turn. Acting on anonymous tips, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confiscated Peanut, along with Longo’s pet raccoon, Fred, over concerns about public safety and the animals’ potential to carry rabies. During the seizure, Peanut allegedly bit an official, which led the agency to euthanize both animals for rabies testing. Longo has since spoken out against the DEC’s actions, questioning their priorities and arguing that resources should target pressing public health issues rather than his cherished pets.
The story quickly became a social media sensation, sparking viral tributes on platforms like X, where fans flooded timelines with memes featuring Peanut alongside figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who joined in to acknowledge Peanut's influence. Peanut’s legacy didn't stop at social media; it extended into the cryptocurrency world, where a wave of meme coins themed around the squirrel erupted on the Solana blockchain. Dexscreener.com reported a rapid emergence of “Peanut” coins, some showing liquidity as high as $1.6 million and soaring to three-figure percentage gains in just days.
Among the various tokens, one dubbed $PNUT claimed an unprecedented rise, reportedly reaching a 3 million percent increase, with a staggering market valuation of $6.36 billion and trading liquidity nearing $657,000. Collectively, the top three Peanut-themed coins now boast a combined valuation of nearly $200 million. This trend mirrors past meme coin frenzies, reminiscent of the digital waves created by other internet icons like Moo Deng the pygmy hippo.
As the Peanut coin craze continues to evolve, it serves as a fascinating case study in internet culture, blending heartfelt animal stories with the unpredictable rise of meme-driven digital assets. Fans of the beloved squirrel have fueled this new phenomenon, celebrating Peanut’s legacy in a way that ensures he remains unforgettable across both social media and the crypto landscape.