U.S. Influencer Criticized for Handling Baby Wombat Leaves Australia

Sam Jones, a self-described wildlife biologist, faced backlash for a video showing her taking a baby wombat from its mother, prompting her voluntary departure from the country.

Sam Jones, an American influencer with nearly 92,000 followers, posted a now-deleted video of herself grabbing a baby wombat from its mother on a dark Australian road.
The video, which showed the distressed animal hissing and flailing, drew condemnation from Australian politicians, wildlife experts, and conservation groups.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the act an 'outrage,' while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed Jones' visa was under review before she voluntarily left the country.
Animal welfare organizations highlighted the potential harm caused to the wombat, noting signs of distress and possible health issues, including mange, seen in the baby wombat in the footage.
An online petition with nearly 40,000 signatures is calling for Jones to be permanently banned from returning to Australia, alongside penalties for the man filming the incident.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation