Internet Sensation Peanut the Squirrel Sparks Massive Meme Coin Boom on Solana
Peanut the squirrel, an adored social media star, has captured hearts around the world with his playful personality and unique bond with his rescuer, Mark Longo. With a following of 500,000 on Instagram, Peanut’s journey began seven years ago in New York City after Longo found him injured and orphaned. Unable to survive in the wild due to his injuries, Peanut found a loving home with Longo, sparking a friendship that captivated social media audiences.
However, on October 30, 2024, this touching story took a tragic twist. Acting on anonymous tips, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut and Longo's pet raccoon, Fred, citing public health concerns. During the seizure, Peanut reportedly bit an official, which prompted the agency to euthanize both animals for rabies testing. Longo has since spoken out, criticizing the DEC’s decision, questioning whether their focus should be on more pressing health issues rather than his beloved pets.
The incident quickly went viral on social media, with fans flooding platforms like X with memes and tributes to Peanut. Public figures including Donald Trump and Elon Musk joined the online conversation, further amplifying Peanut’s legacy. The outpouring of support and interest didn’t stop there—Peanut’s story inspired a new wave of meme coins on the Solana blockchain. According to Dexscreener.com, Peanut-themed coins have seen explosive growth, with some showing liquidity up to $1.6 million and experiencing massive gains in a matter of days.
One standout, $PNUT, reportedly surged by an astounding 3 million percent, reaching a market valuation of $6.36 billion with trading liquidity nearing $657,000. Combined, the top three Peanut-themed coins now boast a valuation of nearly $200 million. This craze echoes past meme coin phenomena, reminiscent of other internet icons like Moo Deng the pygmy hippo.
As the Peanut coin frenzy continues, it serves as a fascinating example of how internet culture and cryptocurrency can intersect. Fans of Peanut are ensuring his memory lives on, celebrating his story through social media and in the ever-evolving world of digital assets.
