Australian authorities and conservationists condemn the influencer's actions, highlighting the distress caused to wildlife.
US Influencer Faces Outrage Over Shocking Wombat Incident
US Influencer Faces Outrage Over Shocking Wombat Incident
Calls for Consequences after Viral Video Shows Disturbing Animal Interaction
The actions of a US influencer now under scrutiny have ignited fierce backlash after she filmed herself taking a wild baby wombat from its distressed mother in Australia. The incident, which critics have labelled “appalling,” was captured on video by Sam Jones, who labels herself an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter" on social media. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her disapproval of the act, emphasizing the importance of allowing wild animals to remain in their natural family units.
In the now-deleted video, Jones can be seen grabbing the baby wombat beside the road while its mother dashed after them in a frantic attempt to reunite. The video prompted laughter from the person filming, who remarked on the mother's pursuit of them. Following widespread condemnation, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that immigration officials are reviewing Jones’s visa given the public outcry and an online petition calling for her deportation that has garnered over 10,500 signatures.
Conservationists are particularly alarmed by Jones’s behavior, stating it poses severe risks to both the joey and its mother. The Wombat Protection Society voiced their shock at what they described as the “mishandling” of the young wombat for social media fame. Experts stress the strong bond between baby wombats and their mothers, asserting that any separation can be extremely detrimental. “Wombats are not a photo prop or plaything,” said Suzanne Milthorpe from World Animal Protection Australia, arguing that such behavior not only invites legal issues but also reflects a troubling disregard for wildlife.
Wombats, known for their unique characteristics, are a legally protected species in Australia. According to wildlife veterinarian Tania Bishop, taking or harming native wildlife is illegal unless the animal is in dire need of aid due to its mother's death. As more fallout from this incident unfolds, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken against Jones.
In the now-deleted video, Jones can be seen grabbing the baby wombat beside the road while its mother dashed after them in a frantic attempt to reunite. The video prompted laughter from the person filming, who remarked on the mother's pursuit of them. Following widespread condemnation, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that immigration officials are reviewing Jones’s visa given the public outcry and an online petition calling for her deportation that has garnered over 10,500 signatures.
Conservationists are particularly alarmed by Jones’s behavior, stating it poses severe risks to both the joey and its mother. The Wombat Protection Society voiced their shock at what they described as the “mishandling” of the young wombat for social media fame. Experts stress the strong bond between baby wombats and their mothers, asserting that any separation can be extremely detrimental. “Wombats are not a photo prop or plaything,” said Suzanne Milthorpe from World Animal Protection Australia, arguing that such behavior not only invites legal issues but also reflects a troubling disregard for wildlife.
Wombats, known for their unique characteristics, are a legally protected species in Australia. According to wildlife veterinarian Tania Bishop, taking or harming native wildlife is illegal unless the animal is in dire need of aid due to its mother's death. As more fallout from this incident unfolds, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken against Jones.
