American social media influencer Sam Jones, known for her outdoor adventure content, has landed in controversy after grabbing a baby wombat from its mother to pose for a photo. The incident, which she filmed and shared on Instagram, has drawn sharp criticism from Australians, wildlife experts, and even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
What Happened?
Jones, who describes herself as a “wildlife biologist and environmental scientist,” was seen in a now-deleted video running across a road at night and lifting the baby wombat. The distressed mother chased after her while the baby struggled to break free. In the footage, Jones exclaimed, “I caught a baby wombat,” while an Australian man accompanying her reassured her, saying, “Nah, he’s all right.”
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After posing with the joey, she returned it to the ground, claiming the mother and baby were safely reunited. However, wildlife experts strongly disagree.
Wildlife Experts Sound the Alarm
Jess Abrahams, a campaigner with the Australian Conservation Foundation, warned that human interference could lead to a mother rejecting her baby. Licensed wombat rescuer Yolandi Vermaak added that in many cases, wombat mothers do not return for their young if they are separated. “Nine out of ten times, the mother will not come back,” she stated.
Veterinarian Tania Bishop further criticized Jones’ handling of the joey, explaining that lifting it improperly could cause serious shoulder injuries. “Swinging it as she ran across the road could have worsened the damage,” she said.
Public Outrage and Political Reaction
Australians took to social media to express their anger. Many called for her prosecution, heavy fines, and deportation. An online petition demanding her removal from the country has already gained over 10,500 signatures.
Even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mocked Jones, sarcastically suggesting that she should “try taking a baby crocodile next time and see how that goes.” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that her visa is under review, stating, “I don’t expect she will return.”
Who is Sam Jones?
Jones, who has over 92,000 Instagram followers, has shared various wildlife encounters from Australia, including fishing and shark-handling. She has previously described herself as an “outdoor enthusiast” and a hunter, with experience in bow-hunting stags in Chile and hunting wild pigs in New Zealand.
Despite claiming to be a wildlife biologist, reports indicate that she previously worked as a Database Administrator for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
Could She Lose Her Visa?
The Department of Home Affairs is currently reviewing whether Jones violated any immigration laws. Immigration Minister Tony Burke hinted that even if her visa isn’t revoked, she may struggle to return to Australia. “Given the level of scrutiny, I’ll be surprised if she even bothers applying again,” he said.
Legal Consequences
Australia has strict biosecurity and animal cruelty laws. The RSPCA states that violating these laws could lead to fines between AUD 22,000 (Rs 12.04 lakh) and AUD 236,500 (Rs 1.29 crore), with a maximum jail sentence of five years in New South Wales.
Conclusion
As authorities investigate the case, Jones’ social media accounts remain private, and the debate over influencers handling wildlife continues to grow. Whether or not she faces legal repercussions, her actions have already damaged her reputation and could cost her the right to visit Australia again.
