
PETA is at it again with another publicity-seeking stunt, this time going after the late Steve Irwin, calling him an animal "harasser" on Twitter.
The animal rights campaign organisation has been facing an intense backlash online after criticising Google’s decision to honour the Australian conservationist on his 57th birthday with a Google Doodle.
To pay tribute to his legacy, Google Doodle released a bunch of touching illustrations on Friday, celebrating the Crocodile Hunter’s conservation efforts and achievements.
Today’s #GoogleDoodle celebrates #SteveIrwin, the legendary Australian wildlife advocate & TV personality whose bravery & passion opened the eyes of millions to the wonders of wildlife
CRIKEY! Today's #GoogleDoodle celebrates #SteveIrwin, the legendary Australian wildlife advocate & TV personality… https://t.co/yAsUWfE7oH— Google Doodles (@Google Doodles) 1550811721
Many people applauded Google for their touching tribute, taking to social media to post their own thoughts and memories of the Aussie legend.
Steve has been honoured with a #GoogleDoodle! Happy Birthday for tomorrow, to the greatest Wildlife Warrior. We’re… https://t.co/thUbXWi93a— Australia Zoo (@Australia Zoo) 1550747215
@GoogleDoodles You guys knocked it out of the park with this one, really well done.— Ryan Harasym (@Ryan Harasym) 1550847676
@GoogleDoodles Great to see Steve Irwin honored with a Google Doodle. I always enjoyed whenever I got to see him on… https://t.co/HMasf2aSA8— GrandOldPenguin 🐧 (@GrandOldPenguin 🐧) 1550817276
@GoogleDoodles Out of all of the Google Doodles ever, this one celebrating Steve Irwin's 57th birthday is my favori… https://t.co/qoJY9jKeeb— 🇺🇸Amy🍊🇮🇱🇦🇺 Nellie🌈🐈Mr. Tuxedo🌈🐈⬛ (@🇺🇸Amy🍊🇮🇱🇦🇺 Nellie🌈🐈Mr. Tuxedo🌈🐈⬛) 1550812735
But PETA chose to take another, more controversial stance, posting a series of angry tweets accusing Google of sending “a dangerous and fawning message”.
#SteveIrwin was killed while harassing a ray; he dangled his baby while feeding a crocodile & wrestled wild animals… https://t.co/AbC4jmgytg— PETA (@PETA) 1550855314
Steve Irwin’s actions were not on target with his supposed message of protecting wildlife. A real wildlife expert &… https://t.co/EY1pPo9lbI— PETA (@PETA) 1550885605
It is harassment to drag exotic animals, including babies taken from their mothers, around from TV talk shows to co… https://t.co/AvtbLXeKHv— PETA (@PETA) 1550885631
PETA's president Ingrid Newkirk added to the fire by issuing an additional statement, which read:
PETA must ask who commissioned these dangerous, hagiographic cartoons of a man who died while harassing a stingray, dangled his baby while feeding a crocodile, and 'wrestled' wild animals who were minding their own business
This fawning, ignorant tribute is a slap in the face to the vast majority of people who acknowledge that wild animals are entitled to be left alone in their natural habitats
As expected, people were quick to fire back, reminding the organisation about the Irwin family's relentless efforts in wildlife preservation and animal protection.
@peta There have been few people who have done more for wildlife conservation and education than the Irwin family. You owe them an apology.— Dave Hogg ✨ (@Dave Hogg ✨) 1550884709
@peta I’m not with you on this one #SteveIrwin did so much for animals and their conservation, he showed them respe… https://t.co/zYJQ1Rw99l— Sheps (@Sheps) 1550862018
I hope @AustraliaZoo @BindiIrwin @RobertIrwin @TerriIrwin dont waste their breath responding to PETA remarks about… https://t.co/vSK7w89Dw3— Kambree (@Kambree) 1550883898
@peta Where is your habitat for saving animals? You have a wildlife preserve anywhere? Do you have 1,000's of acres… https://t.co/CYr7CAjRlO— Kambree (@Kambree) 1550883595
Steve Irwin and his family reclaim land for animals and run a massive wildlife rescue. His life mission was to save… https://t.co/R3Gnoy9qcT— Maureen Johnson (@Maureen Johnson) 1550884414
@peta Never mind what charity work he did for endangered animals, the funds he raised, animals he helped, the peop… https://t.co/iiBC5xAGDR— Silkie Allen (@Silkie Allen) 1550855966
Steve Irwin saved the lives of countless animals in his sanctuaries. He helped educate millions globally about anim… https://t.co/yg4mrqe0nh— Dan Clark (@Dan Clark) 1550872783
@peta the thing is... you as a company don’t actually give a fuck about any of what you’re saying about Steve Irwin… https://t.co/Nb2qGQvgcn— Ryan Magee (@Ryan Magee) 1550891554
Damn Peta loves disparaging the dead for RTs https://t.co/FlbIvGhXuB— Matthew A. Cherry (@Matthew A. Cherry) 1550889084
Steve Irwin got up close and personal with wildlife (at the risk of his own safety) to show us, the sheltered masse… https://t.co/ZxXvzmLP4V— The One True Nobody! (@The One True Nobody!) 1550888703
This is not the first time PETA has sparked controversy, previously comparing using animal idioms to racism and homophobia, and being roasted after tweeting out their "anti-animal language" chart.
While an anti-animal language chart might have been somewhat funny, dragging a beloved dead man's name is definitely not the way to go.
Think again, PETA.
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