Twitter rips PETA for criticizing Steve Irwin's Google doodle on the late conservationist's birthday
After tweeting criticism of the late wildlife conservationist and TV personality Steve Irwin, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is facing backlash on social media.
Irwin would have turned 57 on Friday, and to honor the host of "The Crocodile Hunter," Google changed the logo on its search page.
The doodle was a slideshow featuring illustrations of Irwin searching for crocodiles and feeding the animals while working at the Australia Zoo. He died in 2006 during a snorkeling expedition when a stingray barb pierced his heart.
In response, PETA on Friday said Irwin "was killed while harassing a ray" and that the Google doodle "sends a dangerous, fawning message."
#SteveIrwin was killed while harassing a ray; he dangled his baby while feeding a crocodile & wrestled wild animals who were minding their own business. Today’s #GoogleDoodle sends a dangerous, fawning message. Wild animals are entitled to be left alone in their natural habitats. https://t.co/9JfJiBhGLw
— PETA (@peta) February 22, 2019
More: Crikey! Google honors wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin's birthday
The animal rights organization doubled down on the criticism in a pair of tweets to follow, implying Irwin didn't act like a "real wildlife expert."
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.
— PETA (@peta) February 23, 2019
It is harassment to drag exotic animals, including babies taken from their mothers, around from TV talk shows to conferences & force them to perform as Steve Irwin did. Animals deserve to live as they want to, not as humans demand––the #GoogleDoodle should represent that.
— PETA (@peta) February 23, 2019
Many Twitter users called out PETA for not being respectful of Irwin and his work.
Steve Irwin saved the lives of countless animals in his sanctuaries. He helped educate millions globally about animals’ needs and ways of life. He loved animals and cared for them greatly. You do some good work helping animals PETA, but how about some balance and more respect... https://t.co/olpLCvKepN
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) February 22, 2019
I supported @peta with a fixed amount of money every month.
That was until I read this tweet.— TheFatRat (@ThisIsTheFatRat) February 23, 2019
PETA is an embarrassment to animal rights
— Zack Bornstein (@ZackBornstein) February 23, 2019
Others said Irwin can both work with animals and respect them.
Steve Irwin celebrated the animals he worked with.
His taught people to respect AND protect animals in their native habitat.
He died taking a risk to show us to respect animals. I respect that ray; and I respect Steve Irwin.— Pé Resists (@4everNeverTrump) February 23, 2019
Some praised Irwin for educating the public about rare animals.
Yea....no. His methods may not have been ideal but his enthusiasm for animals and for their protection was incredibly transparent. He taught a lot of people about nature and the environment."Harassing a ray"?Unless the Irwin family has shown you the footage, complete speculation.
— TheGamingBeaver (@AGamingBeaver) February 23, 2019
In a statement to USA TODAY about the backlash to the tweets, PETA said, "People should examine Steve Irwin’s record of wildlife molestation."
Part of PETA's motto is that animals not be used for entertainment.
Earlier this week, PETA also faced online criticism for a tweet that appeared to celebrate the death of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.
More: PETA slammed for 'cruel' tweet that appears to celebrate Karl Lagerfeld's death
"Karl Lagerfeld has gone, and his passing marks the end of an era when fur and exotic skins were seen as covetable. PETA sends condolences to our old nemesis's loved ones," the official Twitter of PETA UK posted less than an hour after his death.
Contributing: Brett Molina, USA TODAY. Follow USA TODAY's Ryan Miller on Twitter @RyanW_Miller
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Twitter rips PETA for criticizing Steve Irwin's Google doodle on the late conservationist's birthday