Planet Money
The Parable of Peanut the Memecoin
Mar 5, 2025
Mark Longo, owner and caretaker of Peanut, the viral pet squirrel, shares the incredible story of Peanut’s rise from street rodent to social media superstar. He reflects on the chaotic aftermath of Peanut's fame, including a political saga and the emergence of a memecoin in his name. Mark offers insights into the emotional rollercoaster of navigating online stardom, the challenges of recognition in the meme coin market, and the dark side of fame in today's attention-driven economy.
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Quick takeaways
- Peanut's rise to fame illustrates how social media can dramatically alter the trajectory of both pets and their owners' lives.
- The aftermath of Peanut's euthanasia highlights the challenges of controlling personal narratives in the age of rapid online attention and exploitation.
Deep dives
The Rise of Peanut the Squirrel
Peanut, a rescued squirrel, became a social media phenomenon after Mark Longo, his owner, began posting adorable videos of him online. Initially found injured on the streets of Manhattan, Peanut's charismatic personality drew followers, and he eventually gained over a million on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. As Peanut's fame grew, Mark leveraged this attention to create monetization strategies, partnering with brands and engaging with fans. This journey highlights how social media can catapult an unknown pet into the limelight, transforming their owner's life and finances.
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