An American influencer is facing serious backlash after a video surfaced showing her taking a baby wombat from its mother in Australia. The incident has sparked outrage online and has led to an investigation that could jeopardize her visa status in the country.
The influencer, Sam Jones, has nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram. She filmed herself running down a road with the baby wombat, known as a joey, while joking about the mother wombat being upset. In the video, she acknowledges the mother’s presence and then places the joey back down on the road, potentially putting it in danger.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, expressed his disapproval, stating that his department is reviewing Jones’ visa conditions to determine if any immigration laws were violated. He made it clear that he would be glad to see her leave the country.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned her actions, calling them an “outrage” and suggested she try handling more dangerous Australian animals instead of a wombat, emphasizing the irresponsibility of her actions.
After the backlash, Jones deleted the video and made her Instagram account private. Burke mentioned that if she ever applies for a visa again, she will face significant scrutiny, hinting that she might not be welcomed back in Australia.
Wildlife experts and ecologists have criticized Jones, noting that separating a baby animal from its mother can cause severe stress to both. The Wombat Protection Society expressed shock at her actions, stating that wombats are legally protected and should not be treated as props for social media.
Suzanne Milthorpe, from World Animal Protection Australia, pointed out the potential legal ramifications of her behavior and stressed that wombats are not toys. The incident has raised awareness about the importance of respecting wildlife and the laws designed to protect them.