MELBOURNE, Australia — On March 15, 2025, American influencer Sam Jones, also known as Samantha Strable, issued an apology after facing backlash for a video in which she snatched a baby wombat from its mother. The incident, which occurred while she was in Australia, prompted Australian authorities to threaten her with deportation.
- American influencer snatches baby wombat in Australia
- Outrage leads to potential deportation threats
- Jones claims concern for wombat's welfare
- Australian officials investigate visa breach
- Animal welfare experts criticize her actions
- Wombat expert notes joey's skin disease
Jones claimed her actions were motivated by concern for the young wombat’s welfare, stating she feared the mother might attack her. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the video as “just an outrage.”
The controversy began when Jones posted a video on her Instagram account showing her running with a wombat joey in her hands. She explained that she became “extremely concerned” for the animals’ safety after finding them on a roadside. In her defense, Jones stated that she did not intend to harm the joey but acted out of fear and concern.
Australian officials have stated that Jones may have breached the terms of her visa. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke mentioned that an investigation was underway, and he did not expect her to apply for an Australian visa again. The baby wombat, identified as a common wombat, is a protected species in Australia.
Animal welfare experts criticized Jones’s actions, noting that her handling of the joey could have caused harm. They pointed out that the joey appeared to have a skin disease called mange, which requires treatment for survival. Jones later claimed she returned the joey to its mother and ensured both left the road safely, expressing regret for her actions.
In her apology, Jones reflected on the incident, acknowledging that she did not handle the situation as well as she could have and expressed sorrow for the distress caused. She did not respond to inquiries regarding the whereabouts of the baby wombat or her current location.
The incident involving Sam Jones has raised significant concerns regarding wildlife protection and the responsibilities of individuals interacting with animals in their natural habitats. As the investigation continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and adhering to local laws.
