PETA tells us to "relax," the Mario thing was a joke
Speaking to Kotaku today, PETA plays down yesterday's protests about Mario's use of the Tanooki suit: "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," said a rep.
Surprise, surprise.
PETA protests use of Mario's Tanooki suit
Some call it one of the best power-ups in Mario, allowing you to fly in the air for extended periods of time and do tail spins. Others (namely PETA) call it a metaphorical 'green light' to wear animal fur, in a statment made recently by the organisation for ethical animal treatment.