The incident has sparked discussions on wildlife protection laws and influencer responsibility.
US Influencer Faces Outrage After Removing Baby Wombat from Mother
US Influencer Faces Outrage After Removing Baby Wombat from Mother
Conservationists and officials slam influencer for wildlife mistreatment in Australia.
In a troubling episode showcasing wildlife mistreatment, a US influencer has drawn significant backlash after a video emerged of her taking a baby wombat from its distressed mother in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not hold back, suggesting that the influencer, Sam Jones, should "try to take a baby crocodile from its mother" to experience consequences for her actions.
The controversial footage reveals Ms. Jones, who describes herself as an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter," picking up the baby wombat, known as a joey, from the roadside while the mother frantically chased after them. The recording, which has since been deleted, featured a male voice laughing in the background, further trivializing the distressing scene.
As a result of the outrage, Australian immigration authorities are reviewing Ms. Jones's visa status after calls for her deportation gained traction, leading to an online petition with over 10,500 signatures. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the scrutiny she would face in future visa applications due to her actions.
Conservationists have condemned the influencer's behavior as "appalling," warning that her actions could lead to severe distress and harm for the vulnerable wombat species. The Wombat Protection Society expressed shock at the incident, asserting that the mishandling of wildlife for social media clout is unacceptable. They reported that the joey was placed back on a road, risking its life from oncoming traffic.
In the now-deleted post, Ms. Jones described her experience as a dream come true while attempting to assure her followers that the joey had been released safely back to its mother. Critics, however, were unconvinced, stating that the brief holding of the joey disrupts the natural bond essential to its survival.
Ms. Jones's social media account, formerly open to the public with 92,000 followers, has since been made private. However, her previous posts highlight more instances of her interacting with Australian wildlife, including an echidna and a small shark. Wombats, which are native to Australia, are classified as a protected species, and experts argue that any interaction with them must comply with strict wildlife protection laws.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined the chorus of disapproval, labeling the video as "dreadful" and reinforcing the notion that wildlife should be left undisturbed. The incident has sparked an important conversation surrounding the responsibilities of influencers in the age of social media and the importance of protecting native wildlife properly.
The controversial footage reveals Ms. Jones, who describes herself as an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter," picking up the baby wombat, known as a joey, from the roadside while the mother frantically chased after them. The recording, which has since been deleted, featured a male voice laughing in the background, further trivializing the distressing scene.
As a result of the outrage, Australian immigration authorities are reviewing Ms. Jones's visa status after calls for her deportation gained traction, leading to an online petition with over 10,500 signatures. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the scrutiny she would face in future visa applications due to her actions.
Conservationists have condemned the influencer's behavior as "appalling," warning that her actions could lead to severe distress and harm for the vulnerable wombat species. The Wombat Protection Society expressed shock at the incident, asserting that the mishandling of wildlife for social media clout is unacceptable. They reported that the joey was placed back on a road, risking its life from oncoming traffic.
In the now-deleted post, Ms. Jones described her experience as a dream come true while attempting to assure her followers that the joey had been released safely back to its mother. Critics, however, were unconvinced, stating that the brief holding of the joey disrupts the natural bond essential to its survival.
Ms. Jones's social media account, formerly open to the public with 92,000 followers, has since been made private. However, her previous posts highlight more instances of her interacting with Australian wildlife, including an echidna and a small shark. Wombats, which are native to Australia, are classified as a protected species, and experts argue that any interaction with them must comply with strict wildlife protection laws.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined the chorus of disapproval, labeling the video as "dreadful" and reinforcing the notion that wildlife should be left undisturbed. The incident has sparked an important conversation surrounding the responsibilities of influencers in the age of social media and the importance of protecting native wildlife properly.
