PETA Torn A New One For Disrespecting Steve Irwin
PETA have dumped all over the memory of one of the most beloved animal lovers in the world.
For an organisation that claims to love animals, PETA sure don’t like people who love animals.
This week, Google honoured Australian wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, enshrining him in a Google Doodle for what would have been his 57th birthday. It’s an optimistic artwork remembering a passionate man whose enthusiasm for animals inspired many.
Unfortunately PETA gotta peet, and the self-described animal rights organisation took the opportunity to dump all over the memory of one of the most beloved animal lovers in the world.
#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
In response to Google’s Doodle, PETA, which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, characterised Irwin’s death as a result of “harassing a ray”, and said that the tribute “sends a dangerous and fawning message. Wild animals are entitled to be left alone in their natural habitats.”
The organisation also referenced a 2004 incident at Australia Zoo where he held his one-month-old son while feeding a crocodile. Neither of them were harmed, and Irwin said neither he nor the baby were in any danger at the time, but he apologised for the alarm the incident caused.
PETA’s tweet was met with harsh criticism, particularly as Irwin’s life was dedicated to the conservation of animals and teaching people about them. However later that day they doubled down, saying that “Irwin’s actions were not on target with his supposed message of protecting wildlife”.
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
Incensed animal and Irwin lovers across the world came down swiftly and decisively in his defence, lambasting the comments and remembering Irwin’s infectious love of animals.
You’re like the kid who wasn’t invited to the party but came anyway and shat in the pool just to get a reaction
— Jacksepticeye (@Jack_Septic_Eye) February 23, 2019
Another reason why PETA totally suck. Such a terrible organisation (look into it online there are countless stories) I’d like to see your wildlife preserve or your 1,000's of acres saving animals from extinction? Steve Irwin spent his whole life wanting to save animals https://t.co/WrfpTPbvbP
— Conor McDonnell (@ConorMcDPhoto) February 23, 2019
I cried for days when Steve Irwin died. I still tear up about it 12 yrs later. Yes, now I’m vegan, some of his actions don’t align with my morals. But beyond the showbiz tricks he was a conversationist, educator and animal lover. Fuck (and I mean this with my whole chest) PETA.
— Georgina Bunney (@GeorginaBunney) February 23, 2019
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
— Maureen Johnson (@maureenjohnson) February 23, 2019
Steve Irwin did more for animal and environmental conservation in his short life than PETA has. End of discussion.
That man deserves 10 google doodles.
— KATE ? #SXSW2019 (@OhMyMithrandir) February 23, 2019
Man… I’ve never seen this website mobilize across cultural and political barriers before… until PETA came at Steve Irwin…. that dude really could’ve saved the world. Uniting twitter posthumously is God like.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 23, 2019
PETA: Steve Irwin was killed because he harassed a stingray
Everyone: pic.twitter.com/ZH44ph5v2G— rosechocglam (@rosechocglam) February 23, 2019
Talk shit about Steve Irwin again and catch my mf hands @peta you out here tryna protect animals try protect yourself from me I dare ya
— ZoomZoomZoom (@LainzGainz) February 23, 2019
Regardless of your opinion of Irwin’s relationship to animals, PETA isn’t in a position to criticise anyone’s treatment of animals. Though it claims to work for animal welfare, the organisation is notorious for killing the majority of the animals it shelters.
The Washington Post reported that in 2014 over 80 percent of the animals brought to their Virginia shelters were euthanized. In comparison, only 23.4 percent of animals in all Virginia shelters were euthanized that year. PETA’s numbers have improved in the years since – to around 70 percent.
PETA has also been known to steal and kill pets, particularly from poor, immigrant communities, a practice that an ex-employee claimed was encouraged.