Animal rights organisation PETA slams the Google Doodle honouring Steve Irwin, netizens hit back

Google Doodle had honoured the life and legacy of beloved Australian wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin in form of a slideshow of doodles to celebrate his 57th birthday on Friday. However, Animal rights organisation PETA has slammed the Google Doodle tribute to the late Australian conservationist and zookeeper Steve Irwin. In a 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".

Continuing its Twitter tirade, PETA further wrote:

Furthermore, the organisation targeted TV shows and talk shows saying "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".

On Friday, Steve's legacy was honoured with an animated slideshow of the Crocodile Hunter's life, work, family and dedication to the protection of Australian wildlife. His wife Terri Irwin, 54, also wrote an emotional guest post for Google to go with Steve's honorary Google Doodle.

Read: Remembering 'Crocodile Hunter’: Google Honours Steve Irwin With Six Illustrations Of Him Wrangling Crocs, Kissing A Snake & Enjoying Family Time

Now, PETA is facing criticism after sharing these thoughts on the Google Doodle; celebrating Steve Irwin: