Sam Jones wombat: US influencer draws backlash for taking baby wombat from mum

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently publicly condemned an American influencer for posting a video of herself forcibly taking a joey from its startled mother wombat, a move that has sparked strong discontent among environmentalists. Prime Minister Albanese's statement has further intensified public attention to the incident.

Prime Minister Albanese sarcastically suggested that the influencer, named Sam Jones, should try a similar act on animals that "bite back." He said, "Try picking up a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go." This remark was intended to emphasize the dangerous and irresponsible nature of Jones's behavior.

Jones describes herself as an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter." The video shows her picking up a joey on the roadside and running across the road to a car, while its mother chases after her. The man filming the video even laughs and says, "Look at the mother, she's chasing her!" This video, filmed in Australia, has been deleted, but the negative impact continues.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil revealed to the BBC that the immigration department is reviewing Jones's visa. Previously, there had been calls for her deportation. O'Neil said in a statement: "I would be surprised if she bothered trying to apply for a visa again, given the scrutiny she would face in any future application." This suggests that Jones's actions may have serious implications for her future entry into Australia.

Environmentalists pointed out that Jones's "shocking" behavior could cause serious harm to the wombat. The Wombat Protection Society expressed its shock at this "deliberate handling of a wombat joey for social media attention." The society said in a statement: "(She) then released this vulnerable joey onto a country road - potentially putting it at risk of being hit by a vehicle." The statement added that it is currently unclear whether the joey has been reunited with its mother.

In the video, Jones gleefully says, "I caught a wombat!" The joey can be heard hissing and struggling in her hands. In her now-deleted post, she wrote: "My wombat holding dreams came true! Little wombat and mum slowly waddled back into the bush together." She wrote in response to criticism in the comments: "The joey was gently held for a total of one minute and then placed back with its mum. They both walked unharmed back into the bush. I would never capture wildlife that would be harmed by my actions."

After facing strong opposition, Jones, who has more than 92,000 followers on Instagram, set her account to private. However, some media outlets have shared the video, as well as earlier posts allegedly taken in Australia, showing her holding an echidna and a "baby shark."

Wombats are native to Australia and are protected by law throughout the country. Joeys have a strong bond with their mothers, and any separation can cause distress and harm, environmentalists say. "Wombats are not photo props or toys," said World Animal Protection Australia campaign manager Suzanne Milthorpe in an online statement. "This is completely unacceptable, and we are glad she is being held to account. Snatching a screaming joey from its mother is not only shocking, but very likely a breach of state or national laws," Milthorpe said.

Some experts believe Jones violated the law because Australia prohibits people from harming or capturing native wildlife. Wildlife veterinarian Tania Bishop told ABC News that it is only permissible to do so if the joey needs help, such as if its mother has died.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also commented on the "awful" video. She told 7News: "I think everyone who saw that video would think, leave the wombat alone, let it be with its mother."