American Influencer Faces Backlash After Handling Baby Wombat in Australia

Sam Jones left Australia following outrage over a video showing her taking a wombat joey from its mother without proper authorization.

Sam Jones, a U.S.-based wildlife influencer, filmed herself taking a baby wombat from its mother on a roadside in Australia, leading to widespread criticism.
The video, which showed the distressed joey and its mother, was condemned by Australian politicians, wildlife experts, and conservation groups.
Handling native Australian wildlife without proper permits is illegal, and the act raised concerns about the joey's health and safety, including potential injuries and a skin disease called mange.
Jones voluntarily left Australia as officials reviewed her visa, with the Home Affairs Minister stating she is unlikely to be allowed back into the country.
The incident has sparked calls for stricter penalties for wildlife interference, with an online petition demanding Jones and the cameraman face consequences gathering nearly 40,000 signatures.