Influencer Under Fire for Disturbing Wildlife Video in Australia

U.S. influencer Sam Jones faces severe criticism for allegedly abducting a baby wombat from its mother in Australia, prompting calls for her deportation.

In a shocking incident that has drawn global attention, U.S. influencer Sam Jones has found herself in hot water for a video that depicted her taking a wild baby wombat from its distressed mother. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined the chorus of critics, emphasizing the distress such actions cause to these animals. "I think everyone who would have seen that would have thought, leave the baby wombat alone. Leave it with its mum," Wong stated to 7News.

The controversial footage shows Jones, who identifies as an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter" on Instagram, picking up the baby wombat beside a roadway while its mother frantically chased after her. The man filming the incident could be heard laughing, unaware of the potential harm being inflicted on the vulnerable animal. The video has since been deleted, but not before it sparked outrage among conservationists.

With a growing wave of criticism, Australian immigration officials are now reviewing Jones's visa status, amidst calls from the public for her immediate deportation. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke commented on the situation, stating that if she applied for a visa in the future, she would likely face significant scrutiny. An online petition advocating for her deportation has already amassed over 10,500 signatures.

Experts in wildlife conservation, including representatives from the Wombat Protection Society, voiced their concern regarding Jones's actions, labeling them as "appalling." They noted that her behavior not only risks the well-being of the wombat but also puts the joey in danger by leaving it vulnerable on a roadside. The Society expressed shock at the perceived mishandling of a wombat in what seemed to be an attempt to garner social media attention.

In her now-private Instagram account, Jones originally celebrated her encounter with the baby wombat, stating, "My dream of holding a wombat has been realized!" However, experts were quick to remind her—and the public—that wombats are legally protected wildlife in Australia and should never be treated as "photo props." Suzanne Milthorpe, Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection Australia, highlighted the serious legal implications, reinforcing that disturbing or capturing native wildlife is against Australian law unless the animal is in dire need of assistance due to its mother’s incapacitation.

The actions of Jones have raised critical discussions about wildlife conservation and the ethical responsibilities of social media influencers, challenging current norms and practices in how wildlife is portrayed and protected online.