PETA Learned The Hard Way That NOBODY Gets Away With Slamming Steve Irwin

They really deserved the Internet tongue-lashing they got for this one.

Damjan

Published in Funny
27 Feb 2019

PETA Learned The Hard Way That NOBODY Gets Away With Slamming Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin was not only a TV personality and renowned conservationist; he was basically a global sweetheart, beloved by all. On September 4th, 2006, he tragically passed away doing what he loved best: interacting with animals. To this day, his wife and children continue his work with the love and compassion only an Irwin could possess and radiate.

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On February 22nd, 2019, Irwin would have been 57 years old if it were not for his untimely and tragic death, and collectively, most of the world remembered him, as we do regularly, for being the icon and role model he still manages to be to this day.

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Google likes to honor people who deserve to be honored on their special days.

For Irwin, in a tweet alongside a sweet tribute picture of the 'Crocodile Hunter,' Google said:

Today's Google Doodle celebrates Steve Irwin, the legendary Australian wildlife advocate & TV personality whose bravery & passion opened the eyes of millions to the wonders of wildlife.

Truly, this is something virtually no one disputes, right?

Google

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...Wrong, apparently.

PETA, also known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is a loud and proud 'animal rights' organization that has been no stranger to controversy, nor to making themselves look incredibly stupid.

In a mind-blowing turn of events, PETA decided to attack Steve Irwin's memory in response to Google's beautiful tribute.

PETA

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Relentless heathens.

PETA laid it on THICK.

PETA

Say what, now?

According to PETA, you know, the pinnacle of morality, Steve Irwin harassed animals.

PETA

"Forcing Animals to Perform is Wrong."

Yo, PETA, this isn't the circus we're talking about. This is Steve Freaking Irwin!

PETA

The Internet Collectively Responds

Let this be a lesson to PETA and anyone who would dare tarnish the reputation and memory of the world's most beloved... The Internet tore PETA a NEW ONE.

gifer

PETA the Hypocrites.

Some users were quick to point out how hypocritical PETA is, with specific details.

KaBaMaybe

As a matter of perspective.

Did you know?

Steve Irwin's family runs Australia Zoo, which was opened by Steve's parents, Bob and Lyn, all the way back in 1970! Steve grew up helping his parents maintain the zoo and care for crocodiles and other reptiles; this was his entire childhood!

Furthermore, Steve and his wife, Terri, raised a lot of money filming their shows and collecting funds from merchandise, and they put every penny back into conservation and building new exhibits for the zoo!

clickclackBOOMx

The nerve of PETA...

They do owe the Irwin family an apology.

stareagle

PETA: GO away.

More fun facts! Steve and Terri co-hosted their TV series, Crocodile Hunter, which debuted on Australian TV in 1996. It only took a year to make its way to the United States, and before long, it was a huge hit and success in over 130 countries. In the 90s, nearly 500 million people all over the world knew who Steve Irwin was. His personality was captivating, his accent was endearing, and his catchphrases burrowed into your mind.

Sir David Attenborough, the iconic British nature presenter, was also a fan of Steve and credited him for introducing many to the natural world. 'He taught them how wonderful and exciting it was; he was a born communicator,' he said.

Jack_Septic_Eye

Steve Irwin

Irwin considered conservation to be the most important part of his work, saying once, 'I consider myself a wildlife warrior. My mission is to save the world's endangered species.'

WordPress

That which united us all.

World War III: Everyone vs PETA

jettst0rm

Proud Papa

Irwin is looking down on us all, and he is proud. Surely.

Twitter

PETA is not shy to controversy.

It would seem they love saying ridiculous and inflammatory things.

Irwin, on the other hand, founded the 'Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation,' which became an independent charity and was later renamed 'Wildlife Warriors Worldwide.' He also helped found 'International Crocodile Rescue,' the 'Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund' (named in memory of his mother, who died in an automobile crash in 2000), and the 'Iron Bark Station Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility.'

humanity world

A choice was made.

A wrong choice, but a choice nonetheless.

Twitter

Crikey!

VALID FREAKING POINTS

KamTV

Don't mock tragedy.

PETA made a poor choice in telling the world that Irwin got what he deserved. At the time of his death, he was filming the documentary series Ocean's Deadliest. It was in his spare time at Batt Reef, near Port Douglas, Australia, that he decided to snorkel in shallow waters. He was being filmed because he hoped to get some footage for his daughter, Bindi, and her own TV show.

In mere chest-deep water, Irwin approached a short-tail stingray from the rear, hoping to film the magnificent creature swimming away, but what happened next would change the world forever. According to the incident's only witness:

All of a sudden, [the stingray] propped on its front and started stabbing wildly with its tail. Hundreds of strikes in a few seconds.

At the time, Irwin believed he had only punctured a lung, but the sad reality is that, in what appeared to be a defensive response, the stingray's barb had actually pierced his heart, which led to him bleeding to death. And PETA, in all their infinite wisdom, told the world that their most beloved human being deserved to die.

Drake Bell

We wish.

Only Elon can save us now.

Steve Irwin's legacy lives on.

His family still owns and runs Australia Zoo. His daughter, Bindi, says:

We want to make sure that his message of wildlife and conservation continues because he was the world’s greatest conservationist, and we never want that message to die. Steve Irwin's legacy lives on.