Quote:Looks like PETA bit off more Fusarium venetum then they could chew when they attacked Mario for his Tanooki-suit wearing ways. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals tell Kotaku that their bloody video game take-down of Mario was meant to be "tongue-in-cheek."

"Mario fans: Relax! PETA's game was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, a fun way to call attention to a serious issue, that raccoon dogs are skinned alive for their fur," Shakira Croce, PETA's media coordinator said. "We wish real-life tanukis could fly or swat enemies away with their tails and escape from those who profit from their skins. You can help them by never buying real fur."

The email comes days after the organization launched a "Mario Kills Tanoki" media campaign meant to draw attention to the very real slaughtering of raccoon dogs for their furs. The campaign blasted Nintendo and their beloved gaming plumber Mario over what they claim was a message that it's OK to wear animal furs.

In Super Mario 3D Land, which was released this past weekend, one of Mario's many power-ups is a Tanooki suit which grants him the ability to glide across the screen after jumps. The suit looks more like a one-piece jumper or costume than it does a fur, but PETA said the game was sending the wrong message to gamers.

On the Mario Kills Tanooki website, players can turn the tables on Mario, taking on the role of a bloody and skinned tanuki chasing a surly Mario as he drifts through his familiar world, a trail of blood dripping from his suit.

Kalovale Wrote:Why are the PETA women topless...

PETArds Wrote:The campaign blasted Nintendo and their beloved gaming plumber Mario over what they claim was a message that it's OK to wear animal furs.