A US influencer's recent video showing her taking a baby wombat from its mother has garnered widespread criticism and calls for her deportation.
Influencer Faces Backlash for Disturbing Wombat Encounter
Influencer Faces Backlash for Disturbing Wombat Encounter
Australian Officials Review Visa of Influencer Who Filmed Controversial Wombat Video
The article text:
A US influencer, Sam Jones, is facing heavy backlash after a video surfaced of her taking a baby wombat away from its distressed mother while filming in Australia. The footage was condemned by experts and conservationists alike, highlighting the detrimental effects such actions can have on wildlife. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, voiced her disapproval, urging viewers to consider the well-being of the baby wombat, stating, “leave the baby wombat alone. Leave it with its mum.”
In the now-deleted social media post, Jones, who identifies as an “outdoor enthusiast and hunter,” was seen picking up a baby wombat from the side of a road while the mother hurried after them. The laughter of the person filming the encounter added to the troubling nature of the video, which has since been removed, but not before sparking outrage online. An online petition calling for Jones’s deportation has amassed over 10,500 signatures as immigration officials evaluate her visa status due to this incident.
Conservationists have labeled Jones’s actions as “appalling,” pointing out that her behavior could lead to significant harm to the vulnerable wombats. The Wombat Protection Society expressed shock over her “mishandling,” stating that any separation from mothers can be distressing and potentially fatal for the joey, especially if placed back onto a busy road. Wildlife experts have voiced concerns that the influencer may have violated Australian laws that protect native species. Tania Bishop, a wildlife veterinarian, remarked that interference with wildlife would only be legal if the animal is in immediate distress because of its mother’s death.
Jones, who boasts over 92,000 followers on Instagram, quickly made her account private amid the backlash, although copies of her controversial video have been widely circulated. Accompanying her post, she wrote that her dream of holding a wombat had come true, neglecting to acknowledge the potential harm her actions could inflict. Suzanne Milthorpe, Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection Australia, reiterated that wombats should not be treated as photo props or playthings, reinforcing the need for accountability in these instances. As uproar continues, the fate of Jones's visa remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder about the ramifications of her actions.
A US influencer, Sam Jones, is facing heavy backlash after a video surfaced of her taking a baby wombat away from its distressed mother while filming in Australia. The footage was condemned by experts and conservationists alike, highlighting the detrimental effects such actions can have on wildlife. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, voiced her disapproval, urging viewers to consider the well-being of the baby wombat, stating, “leave the baby wombat alone. Leave it with its mum.”
In the now-deleted social media post, Jones, who identifies as an “outdoor enthusiast and hunter,” was seen picking up a baby wombat from the side of a road while the mother hurried after them. The laughter of the person filming the encounter added to the troubling nature of the video, which has since been removed, but not before sparking outrage online. An online petition calling for Jones’s deportation has amassed over 10,500 signatures as immigration officials evaluate her visa status due to this incident.
Conservationists have labeled Jones’s actions as “appalling,” pointing out that her behavior could lead to significant harm to the vulnerable wombats. The Wombat Protection Society expressed shock over her “mishandling,” stating that any separation from mothers can be distressing and potentially fatal for the joey, especially if placed back onto a busy road. Wildlife experts have voiced concerns that the influencer may have violated Australian laws that protect native species. Tania Bishop, a wildlife veterinarian, remarked that interference with wildlife would only be legal if the animal is in immediate distress because of its mother’s death.
Jones, who boasts over 92,000 followers on Instagram, quickly made her account private amid the backlash, although copies of her controversial video have been widely circulated. Accompanying her post, she wrote that her dream of holding a wombat had come true, neglecting to acknowledge the potential harm her actions could inflict. Suzanne Milthorpe, Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection Australia, reiterated that wombats should not be treated as photo props or playthings, reinforcing the need for accountability in these instances. As uproar continues, the fate of Jones's visa remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder about the ramifications of her actions.
