WHEN Tourism Australia posted this cheeky image of a kangaroo on their Facebook page, they thought it may be a little too roo-d for some.

So they decided to censor the image, in the hopes of generating some lighthearted discussion. But they couldn't have anticipated just how hopping mad it would make people.

The photo, taken by Featherdale Wildlife Park, shows their supersized kangaroo appropriately named 'Big Baz' hanging out in the sun.

It was accompanied by the caption: "Enjoying a lazy afternoon at Featherdale Wildlife Park. *Censored for Facebook".

While many took the joke on board, it was lost on others. Bewildered users flooded the page, resulting in over 1600 comments.

One commenter said: "Censoring the reproductive organs of an animal is one of the most stupidest things I've ever seen. Well done Australia!".

Another said: "Really! We need to censor an animal's natural anatomy. How is nature rude. Seriously."

Even more confused was this user: "Why are you censoring a kangaroo? OMG, that's just crazy! I've got loads of pics of my dog on Facebook and none of them are censored, it just seems silly and rather strange at that. It looks as though you're trying to turn him into a centrefold instead of it being a normal pic of kangaroo behaviour."

A Tourism Australia spokesperson said it was just for laughs.

"Anybody who's familiar with our Facebook page, knows we like to have a bit of fun with our posts, and when Featherdale Wildlife Park sent us this cracker of a photo we just couldn't resist sharing it with our fans - in all of its magnificent glory," the spokesperson said. "Or nearly all!"

Featherdale Wildlife Park this morning posted a new image of Big Baz in a more modest position, saying: "Big Baz, our KI Kangaroo wasn't too pleased to have his modesty compromised on Australia page over the weekend. He has since taken to being a little camera shy in front of visitors."

Here's the uncensored snap: