On Thursday morning, a raccoon left this world in solitude on a Toronto sidewalk. In the day that followed, the internet celebrated his life beyond measure. Twitter user Jason Wagar first discovered the body and alerted the city of Toronto through the @311Toronto account.
Hours passed, and animal control did not arrive. After returning to the scene a few times, Jason delivered a status report. He also found that the #DeadRaccoonTO hashtag spurred some mischievous souls to start a makeshift memorial, complete with a gas station rose and a framed photo.
Someone’s having a bit of fun with this poor guy (who’s been there since at least 8:45 this AM). Yonge & Church. pic.twitter.com/4WshUGX4uM
— Jason Wagar (@jasonwagar) July 9, 2015
Soon enough, the raccoon acquired its own Twitter account. By evening, more mourners gathered to pay their respects to the animal.
@norm @311Toronto 8:20 pm. Come on, Animal Services. pic.twitter.com/3RPc1XdX50
— Jason Wagar (@jasonwagar) July 10, 2015
Here are some photos from eyewitnesses on the scene, including local Twitter celebrity Kelly Oxford. The raccoon even received a name, “Conrad.”
https://twitter.com/misspollock/status/619247256235937792
https://twitter.com/misspollock/status/619332289969958912
https://twitter.com/kellyoxford/status/619371230357925888
Animal control finally arrived, and Conrad left this world forever.
One last candle for our little buddy Conrad. #DeadRaccoonTO pic.twitter.com/hBmcM9yT5I
— Kris Pangilinan (@KrisReports) July 10, 2015
Rest well my friend. You deserved a state funeral, but the city put you in a garbage bag. #DeadRaccoonTO
— Kris Pangilinan (@KrisReports) July 10, 2015
City of Toronto Councillor Norm Kelly also gave his condolences.
Damn. Life's so short.
— Norm Kelly (@norm) July 10, 2015
Goodnight, sweet Conrad. Enjoy this dance in the afterlife.
(Via Toronto Star)