PETA Blasted After Criticizing Google Doodle of Steve Irwin

"PETA must ask who commissioned these dangerous, hagiographic cartoons of a man who died while harassing a stingray," PETA wrote.

peta steve irwin
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 26: Terri Irwin, Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin attend the ceremony honoring Steve Irwin with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 26, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

peta steve irwin

Animal rights organization PETA is facing backlash after criticizing Google's decision to honor the late Australian conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin with a Google Doodle. 

He was known as "The Crocodile Hunter," but Steve Irwin wasn't exactly hunting crocodiles... he was saving them 🐊. He & his wife spent their honeymoon capturing crocodiles & the footage they shot became the pilot for #TheCrocodileHunter!#GoogleDoodlehttps://t.co/z8PPgDaXfr pic.twitter.com/9BXTXP8bk3

"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," PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement. "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."

Steve Irwin’s actions were not on target with his supposed message of protecting wildlife. A real wildlife expert & someone who respects animals for the individuals they are leaves them to their own business in their natural homes.

Soon after the organization made the comments attacking Irwin's legacy, people took to Twitter to fire back. 

Steve Irwin and his family reclaim land for animals and run a massive wildlife rescue. His life mission was to save animals and educate people about them. I’m one of many vegetarians who rip out their hair when @peta weighs in. Shame on you. https://t.co/m4fdNymjao
Steve Irwin got up close and personal with wildlife (at the risk of his own safety) to show us, the sheltered masses, the beauty, majesty, and amazing things to be found in nature. You, PETA, are just a bunch of sharks who feed on controversy while doing nothing useful. https://t.co/uwEn4IpPUe
Damn Peta loves disparaging the dead for RTs https://t.co/FlbIvGhXuB
peta got fucking RATIO'D holy shit pic.twitter.com/erp8z250l7

Irwin died on September 4, 2006 after being stung several times by a short-tail stingray. He was 44. 

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