PETA attacks beloved animal icon Steve Irwin on his birthday. Internet quickly makes PETA regret it.

PETA, the radical left-wing animal-rights organization, trashed the late Steve Irwin on Friday, the same day the beloved zookeeper and conservationist, known by nickname "The Crocodile Hunter," would have turned 57.

Irwin was tragically killed in 2006 while filming a movie off the coast of Australia. He was stabbed in the heart by a stingray barb. His death shocked the world, and since then, Irwin has remained one of the most beloved figures in entertainment history.

So when PETA attacked Irwin — who was honored by Google in the daily "Google Doodle" — the internet once again seized on PETA.

What did PETA say?

What was the response?

By Saturday, more than 60,000 people had responded to PETA — the vast majority of which bashed the radical organization for pointlessly attacking Irwin.

I supported @peta with a fixed amount of money every month.

That was until I read this tweet.
— TheFatRat (@ThisIsTheFatRat) February 23, 2019

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

Next are you gonna target Bob Ross for not using vegan-safe paint?
— MeowGoesTheDog (@MeowGoesMeow) February 23, 2019

Someone finally managed to bridge the division in our country! Kudos, #PETA! pic.twitter.com/VEgMHVhd9s
— Keith Blalöck - The Earth Rocker 🤘 (@KeithBlalockPW) February 23, 2019

pic.twitter.com/Gp53vp6g0y
— Omniscient (@Omniscient_SSBU) February 23, 2019

On behalf of the entirety of Australia, I officially declare war against the organisation of PETA for slandering the name of a beloved Australian icon.
— JettStorm (@JettSt0rm) February 23, 2019

Steve Irwin did far more for the conservation of animals than @PETA has ever done. In Virginia alone a PETA dog shelter killed 71% of the dogs and cats that were brought in. If anyone wants to learn about the animals PETA reportedly kills, visit this site: https://t.co/wV8QzGbH13 https://t.co/m4k61zL18i
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) February 23, 2019

I'm just gonna leave this here... pic.twitter.com/0iJQJWBdgx
— Joe Nicely (@JoeNicely) February 23, 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

Block me back.
— Nickmercs (@NICKMERCS) February 23, 2019

I've never seen twitter so unified...guess everyone hates PETA
— Kian (@KianGriffin) February 23, 2019

My god you're a pathetic pile of trash.
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) February 23, 2019

Did PETA respond?

Yes, by doubling down.

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

(H/T: Twitchy)