Sam Jones: 'For holding a baby wombat, thousands threatened my life'

An American influencer is facing controversy for filming a video in Australia that showed her taking a wild wombat joey away from its startled mother. She has stated that she is "deeply sorry" and has received thousands of death threats as a result of the incident. Her actions have been widely condemned, raising questions about responsible wildlife interaction.

The influencer, named Sam Jones, who describes herself as an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter," was filmed picking up a wombat joey on the side of a road and running toward a car while laughing, with the wombat's mother chasing after her. The video sparked a huge backlash, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese even challenging her: "Go and pick up a baby crocodile and see what happens." This incident underscores the importance of respecting wildlife and their natural habitats.

Jones issued a lengthy statement on her Instagram page, claiming she was trying to get the animals safely off the road. She said that, as the video shows, the wombat mother ran off the road, but the joey did not, so Jones picked it up. She explained that she ran across the road "not to steal the wombat from its mother but because I was scared it might attack me." She emphasized, "My split-second decision was in no way made with the intention to harm or steal the joey." Her intention was to protect the joey from potential harm, but her actions were misconstrued.

Jones also stated that the video was "not staged and not for entertainment" and that she was "acting too quickly and failed to provide the necessary background information to an online audience" due to being overexcited at the time. In the latter half of the statement, Jones lashed out at Australia's animal culling laws, including those targeting wombats, kangaroos, horses, deer, and pigs. This controversy highlights the complex relationship between humans and wildlife management practices.

Australia does have various controversial and divisive culling laws and regulations. Wombats are native to Australia and are protected, but culling permits can be obtained if deemed necessary. An online petition supporting Jones' deportation has received over 40,000 signatures. Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil has stated that her department is reviewing whether Jones' visa can be revoked. However, the BBC understands that Jones left Australia voluntarily. Jones, also known as Samantha Stosur, has over 95,000 followers on Instagram. Conservationists have warned that Jones' "appalling" actions could cause serious harm to the wombat. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible interactions with wildlife.

The Wombat Awareness Organisation said they were appalled by the "rough handling of the joey for ‘social media likes.’" "She then released the vulnerable joey back onto the rural road – likely placing it at risk of being hit by vehicles," the organization noted in its statement, adding that it is unclear whether the joey has been reunited with its mother. "I caught a wombat," Jones says in the video, while the joey can be heard hissing and struggling in her hands. The videographer can be heard laughing: "Look at its mum, it's chasing her!" In the now-deleted post, her caption read: "My wombat holding dreams came true! Joey and mum slowly waddled back into the bush together." She responded to criticism in the comments, writing: "The joey was carefully held for a minute and then put back with its mum." "They both walked back into the bush together unharmed. I never capture wildlife that will be harmed by my actions." This incident underscores the importance of understanding animal behavior and respecting their natural instincts.

Animal rights groups have criticized Jones. PETA called the video "wildlife exploitation content" and urged people to "stop using wildlife as props." This incident highlights the ethical considerations surrounding interactions with wildlife and the potential harm caused by seeking attention through such actions. A broader discussion about responsible tourism and wildlife conservation is warranted.