US Influencer Faces Outcry for Disturbing Wombat Capture Incident

The situation has prompted calls for legal action against the influencer, as wildlife protection laws come under scrutiny.

An incident involving US influencer Sam Jones has ignited significant backlash in Australia after she was filmed removing a distressed baby wombat from its mother in a shocking display captured on camera. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong weighed in, expressing her disapproval on 7News, stating, "I think everyone who would have seen that would have thought, leave the baby wombat alone. Leave it with its mum.”

The video, which has since been deleted, showed Jones, who promotes herself as an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter," scooping up the frightened wombat by a roadside while its mother chased after them. The cameraman's laughter can be heard as he remarked, “Look at the mother, it's chasing after her!”

Following widespread outrage from various conservationist groups, Australian immigration officials are now reviewing Jones's visa, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke indicating that applying for a visa might become challenging due to the severe scrutiny she now faces. An online petition for her deportation has already attracted 10,500 signatures.

Conservationists have condemned Jones's actions, highlighting the potential harm that could have come to the baby wombat, or joey. The Wombat Protection Society expressed shock at the incident, branding it a "mishandling" for the sake of "social media likes", and noted that after her encounter, the joey was placed back onto a roadway, exposing it to further danger.

In the video, Jones claimed, “I caught a baby wombat!” as the joey hissed and squirmed in her grasp. Her now-deleted post celebrated her experience, reading: "My dream of holding a wombat has been realised! Baby and mom slowly waddled back off together into the bush."

After the backlash, Jones privatized her Instagram account, boasting over 92,000 followers. However, the video—and previous posts showcasing her interactions with Australian wildlife, including an echidna and a small shark—have already been widely circulated.

Wombats, which serve as one of Australia’s unique native species, are legally protected under national laws, with experts asserting that separation from their mothers can lead to severe distress and potential harm.

Suzanne Milthorpe, Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection Australia, stated, "Wombats are not a photo prop or plaything. It's just unacceptable, and we're glad she's being called to account." Several experts believe Jones may have violated laws that protect Australian wildlife, which only allow human intervention in cases where a joey needs help due to the mother’s demise, according to wildlife veterinarian Tania Bishop.