An American influencer, Sam Jones, widely known for her outdoor lifestyle content, has issued an apology following a disturbing incident where she was filmed taking a baby wombat from its distressed mother on an Australian road. The video, which showed Jones scooping up the joey while the mother wombat panicked and chased after her, ignited a firestorm of criticism and led to thousands of death threats against Jones.
Influencer Apologizes After Controversial Wombat Incident Sparks Death Threats
Influencer Apologizes After Controversial Wombat Incident Sparks Death Threats
A US influencer faces severe backlash and threats after taking a wild baby wombat from its mother in Australia, prompting public outrage.
In her Instagram statement, Jones expressed that her intention was to safeguard the wildlife from oncoming traffic, insisting that the act was not performed for entertainment nor premeditated. However, her actions drew immediate condemnation, including sharp criticism from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who challenged her to experience the dangers of handling more dangerous wildlife, such as a baby crocodile.
The fallout from the incident has led to significant discussions about animal welfare and Australia's contentious culling laws concerning native species, including wombats. Despite the backlash, Jones denounced these culling practices in her statement and highlighted the polarized views surrounding wildlife management in Australia. Amid the escalating outrage, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted that there were discussions about reviewing Jones’s visa status, but it's reported she has already departed the country. Jones, who boasts nearly 95,000 Instagram followers, has since removed the controversial post, yet the incident has raised long-lasting concerns about the treatment of wildlife and responsible behavior among influencers.
The fallout from the incident has led to significant discussions about animal welfare and Australia's contentious culling laws concerning native species, including wombats. Despite the backlash, Jones denounced these culling practices in her statement and highlighted the polarized views surrounding wildlife management in Australia. Amid the escalating outrage, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted that there were discussions about reviewing Jones’s visa status, but it's reported she has already departed the country. Jones, who boasts nearly 95,000 Instagram followers, has since removed the controversial post, yet the incident has raised long-lasting concerns about the treatment of wildlife and responsible behavior among influencers.
