PETA has come under fire yet again, this time as a result of their decision to criticise Australia’s own Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, on his birthday.
The criticism came after Google posted a Doodle to honour Irwin’s memory on what would have been his 57th birthday.
CRIKEY!
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. ?
Explore the full slideshow Doodle here → https://t.co/z8PPgDaXfr pic.twitter.com/mGtpwSuqzL
— Google Doodles (@GoogleDoodles) February 22, 2019
Quoting Google’s tweet, PETA wrote:
“#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.”
#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
People weren’t impressed.
Irwin wasn’t just a success at home – people all over the world fell in love with him thanks to his TV show, The Crocodile Hunter. I’ve personally met dozens of Americans who immediately associate my being Australian with Irwin, alongside Crocodile Dundee, Finding Nemo, and the Sydney Opera House.
His death in 2006, the result of a stingray injury to the heart, shocked many, and people still feel defensive of the man who taught them about fascinating and unique animals.
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 (@stareagle) 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
Never mind what charity work he did for endangered animals, the funds he raised, animals he helped, the people he educated.. he was a brilliant person who did so much for so many people and animals. @peta you are wrong to disrespect such a wonderful man.
— Silkie Allen (@Silkie_Allen) February 22, 2019
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
— colin (@colinoscopies) February 22, 2019
Instead of apologising, PETA responded to the backlash by doubling down on their message.
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
Despite their name, PETA themselves have routinely found themselves in hot water over their less-than-ethical treatment of animals.
In 2017, they paid $49,000 to settle a lawsuit after they took a child’s pet chihuahua and euthanised it.
It’s been known for a while that at their shelter in Virginia, PETA euthanises most of the animals it receives. They describe euthanasia as a “tragic necessity given the present crisis”.
PETA has repeatedly been criticised for misogyny, from putting pregnant women in cages as part of a stunt to comparing women to cows. More than once, they have compared the suffering of animals to the things black people in the US have experienced.
They’ve also argued that dairy products are linked to the development of autism.
It’s clear that PETA has one set of standards for themselves, and another, higher set for everyone else.
People like Steve Irwin, who dedicated his life to wildlife conservation and education of the public, whose family runs the Australia Zoo that’s home to the John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward and supports charities like Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital and the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, will never be able to meet these standards, because it’s deliberately impossible to do so.
Having different standards for yourself compared to everyone else makes it that much easier to frame yourself as morally superior and morally just, and that’s something PETA loves doing, because it allows them to remain defiant in the face of criticism from almost every segment of society.
I reckon PETA will have a hell of a time finding many supporters in Australia after this latest fracas.
If you come for the Crocodile Hunter, you best not miss.
