The tweet thread that sparked the outrage.

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. 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. 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.

Twitter Moments has a recap with some juicy reactions.

• “I can love animals and hate PETA at the same time. I'm a multitasker.”

• “Where is your habitat for saving animals? You have a wildlife preserve anywhere? Do you have 1,000's of acres preserving animals from extinction? Steve Irwin spent his whole life wanting to save animals. Ya'll are becoming "progressively" pathetic. What a croc.”

• “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...”

• "For all have sinned and fallen short of PETA..." For the record, Steve Irwin was my childhood hero, and I cried at soccer practice when I found out he died. He inspired me so much - his love for life, for animals, for people, and for this world.”

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