Sydney: A U.S. social media influencer has ignited a storm of controversy in Australia after she filmed herself snatching a baby wombat—commonly referred to as a "joey"—from the roadside while its distressed mother chased after her. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Australian government, animal rights groups, and the public, with some calling for her deportation.
The influencer, Sam Jones, a self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiast and hunter from the United States, posted a video of the incident on her social media accounts. The footage shows her picking up the defenseless animal near its mother on a remote road at night, holding it up to the camera while the joey wriggles and squeals in distress.
"Okay, mom is right there. Let's let him go," Jones says in the video before releasing the animal. However, the stunt has not been received lightly by Australians, who have strongly condemned the act as reckless and cruel.
Political and Public Backlash
The backlash was so intense that even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in on the controversy, offering a scathing rebuke of the influencer’s actions.
"To take a baby wombat from its mother and clearly cause distress is outrageous. I suggest this so-called influencer try this with a crocodile and see how it goes," Albanese remarked sarcastically.
His comments highlight the widespread anger among Australians, many of whom view Jones' actions as a blatant disregard for local wildlife.
Animal Rights Groups and Deportation Calls
Australia’s animal welfare organizations have also condemned the act, stressing the importance of leaving wildlife undisturbed in their natural habitats. The uproar has led to calls for Jones' deportation, with Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs confirming that officials are now reviewing her visa status.
In response to the backlash, Jones issued an apology, stating:
I'm really sorry about the wombat incident. It was a mistake.
However, the influencer has since fled Australia, further fueling speculation that she left the country to avoid potential legal consequences.
A Pattern of Irresponsible Tourism?
This is not the first time Jones has been at the center of controversy regarding wildlife interactions. An older video of her handling an echidna, another protected Australian species, has resurfaced, drawing additional criticism.
The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about irresponsible behavior by tourists when engaging with wildlife. Similar cases have been reported globally, including:
United States (2023): A tourist lifted a newborn bison calf in Yellowstone National Park. The herd rejected the calf, leading to its euthanization.
Canada: A visitor was filmed harassing a bear, resulting in a dangerous chase that could have ended in tragedy.
These incidents underscore the need for stricter wildlife protection measures and better awareness among travelers. While such stunts may provide fleeting social media fame, they can cause long-term harm to animals and damage the reputation of responsible tourism.
As Australian authorities continue their review, this case serves as a stark reminder that wildlife should be observed, not disturbed.1
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