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FOX NEWS - The combative animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) came under fire Friday after accusing Google of sending a “dangerous, fawning message” for honoring wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin on what would have been his 57th birthday.
Google paid tribute to Irwin on Friday with a "Google Doodle" that featured illustrations of Irwin with crocodiles and other animals while working at the Australia Zoo.
Irwin gained worldwide notoriety through the TV series “The Crocodile Hunter” but was killed in 2006 by a stingray.
But in a tweet, PETA accused Irwin of harassing animals "who were minding their own business."
The group said Irwin's message of protecting wildlife was not reflected through his actions.
"A real wildlife expert & someone who respects animals for the individuals they are leaves them to their own business in their natural homes," one tweet read.