PETA Attacks Mario Over Tanuki Suit

'Mario Kills Tanooki': PETA Sponsors Vicious Mario Parody Game

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has a new target: Mario. Yes, we know that Mario is a fictional video game character, but PETA is not letting that get in the way.

PETA states that, by wearing a tanuki suit in Super Mario 3D Land, Mario is promoting the skinning of tanukis. Nintendo gently reminds PETA that Super Mario 3D Land is not real life. You can see the "Mario Kills Tanooki" game below.

• PETA: Mario Kills Tanooki
  

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PETA Tanuki Crusade: 'Mario Kills Tanooki'

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uploaded by NowPublic Staff

Unlike Mario, tanukis are real. They're reddish-brown raccoon-dogs that live in Japan, and they enjoy a special place in Asian folklore. The tanuki is depicted as a hedonistic shapeshifter known for causing mischief. It is depicted as sporting a huge belly and huge testicles, wearing a straw hat.

PETA's stunts tend to have a striving-for-relevance element to them, usually involving nude models. The group also sued Sea World for slavery, and demanded that Punxsutawney Phil be replaced by a robot.