Influencer Criticized for Distressing Interaction with Baby Wombat in Australia

Sam Jones faces backlash after video shows her separating a wombat joey from its mother for social media content.

American influencer Sam Jones posted a now-deleted video showing her picking up a baby wombat, separating it from its mother, and posing for social media.
The video sparked widespread condemnation, including from conservationists, animal rights groups, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who criticized the distress caused to the animals.
Experts warn that handling wildlife without permits is illegal and can harm both animals and humans, with risks including stress, injury, and disease transmission.
Jones has defended her actions, claiming the joey was only held briefly and released, but critics argue the video highlights a broader issue of animal exploitation for online attention.
The incident has reignited discussions about the ethics of wildlife interactions and the growing trend of using animals for social media content, often at their expense.