On a recent incident in Australia, US influencer Sam Jones, who describes herself as an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter," sparked outrage after a video emerged of her taking a wild baby wombat from its distressed mother on the roadside. In the footage, Jones appears to be laughing while running away with the joey, as the mother wombat follows desperately after them. This prompted a firestorm of backlash, including death threats that Jones claims she received in droves.
In a statement on her Instagram account, Jones expressed her remorse for the incident, emphasizing that her intentions were to protect the animals rather than cause harm. She explained that when she picked up the baby wombat, it was out of concern that the mother would attack her and to clear the joey from the road. "The snap judgement I made in these moments was never from a place of harm or stealing a joey," she stated, insisting the video was not staged and did not aim for entertainment.
The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, responded to the video by challenging Jones to attempt to take a baby crocodile from its mother, vowing to take action against such reckless behavior. The incident has sparked intense discussions over Australia's animal culling policies, which allow for certain native species like wombats and kangaroos to be culled if deemed necessary. Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, indicated that a review of her visa status is underway.
Jones, also known on Instagram as Samantha Strable with nearly 95,000 followers, has since deleted the controversial post and left Australia. The incident raises further questions about wildlife protection and the responsibilities of public figures regarding animal welfare in Australia.
In a statement on her Instagram account, Jones expressed her remorse for the incident, emphasizing that her intentions were to protect the animals rather than cause harm. She explained that when she picked up the baby wombat, it was out of concern that the mother would attack her and to clear the joey from the road. "The snap judgement I made in these moments was never from a place of harm or stealing a joey," she stated, insisting the video was not staged and did not aim for entertainment.
The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, responded to the video by challenging Jones to attempt to take a baby crocodile from its mother, vowing to take action against such reckless behavior. The incident has sparked intense discussions over Australia's animal culling policies, which allow for certain native species like wombats and kangaroos to be culled if deemed necessary. Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, indicated that a review of her visa status is underway.
Jones, also known on Instagram as Samantha Strable with nearly 95,000 followers, has since deleted the controversial post and left Australia. The incident raises further questions about wildlife protection and the responsibilities of public figures regarding animal welfare in Australia.
