An American influencer has landed in hot water after a shocking video surfaced of her removing a baby wombat from its mother in the wild to pose for an Instagram photo. The incident, which took place in Australia, has triggered an intense backlash, with furious Australians demanding legal action and even calling for her deportation.
Viral Video Sparks Public Fury
The influencer, identified as Sam Jones, shared the now-deleted footage on her social media, showcasing her handling the tiny joey while its distressed mother watched helplessly nearby. Jones, who claims to be a wildlife biologist, attempted to justify the act, saying the wombat was unharmed and was released shortly after. However, this explanation has done little to ease public anger.
American hunting influencer removes baby wombat from distressed mother in Australia. Is this legal? pic.twitter.com/7vvsoM6WQu
Experts and Wildlife Groups Condemn the Act
Australian wildlife experts and organizations have strongly condemned Jones’ actions, warning of the serious risks involved in disturbing wild animals. WIRES, a leading Australian wildlife rescue organization, confirmed that removing a joey from its mother is illegal under Australian conservation laws and can cause extreme stress and potential harm to both the baby and the parent.
"This kind of interference with wildlife is irresponsible, dangerous, and completely unacceptable," said Dr. Tania Bishop, an Australian wildlife specialist. "Baby wombats are highly dependent on their mothers, and forcibly handling them can lead to severe distress, dehydration, or even rejection by the mother."
Social Media Backlash and Calls for Deportation
Following the video’s circulation, Australians have taken to social media to demand accountability. Outraged users flooded Jones' pages with criticism, calling her "reckless," "ignorant," and "unfit to be around animals." The backlash was so severe that she has since made her social media accounts private and disabled comments.
Some users have gone as far as calling for her deportation from Australia, arguing that her actions violated strict wildlife protection laws.
The Bigger Issue: Influencers and Wildlife Exploitation
This controversy has reignited a broader debate about the ethics of influencers using wildlife for social media clout. Conservationists warn that these actions set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other tourists and influencers to interact with animals in ways that can cause harm.
"Influencers need to understand that wildlife is not a prop for social media content," said a spokesperson for WIRES. "This behavior needs to be condemned to prevent further harm to native species."
While Jones has yet to face official legal repercussions, Australian authorities are reportedly investigating the incident to determine if charges should be filed. If found guilty of violating wildlife protection laws, she could face fines or potential legal action.