American influencer Sam Jones, who faced backlash for a video showing her taking a baby wombat from its mother in Australia, issued an apology on March 15, 2025. Jones claimed her actions were motivated by concern for the animal’s safety, stating she feared the mother wombat might attack her.
- Influencer sparked outrage over wombat video
- Apologized, citing concern for animal welfare
- Australian authorities threatened deportation
- Prime Minister called the incident an outrage
- Animal welfare experts criticized her actions
- Joey reportedly suffering from skin disease
The incident occurred when Jones encountered two wombats on a roadside in Australia. She recorded a video of herself running with the wombat joey, which led to public outrage and scrutiny from Australian authorities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the video as “just an outrage,” while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced an investigation into whether Jones violated her visa terms.
Jones stated she acted out of concern, noting that wombats are frequently hit by cars on Australian roads. She explained that when she approached the animals, the joey did not move, prompting her to pick it up to check for injuries. However, animal welfare experts criticized her actions, indicating that she may have harmed the joey by holding it improperly.
After the backlash, Jones claimed she returned the joey to its mother and ensured their safety. She reflected on her actions, admitting she could have handled the situation better. A wombat expert later revealed that the joey appeared to have mange, a skin disease that could be fatal without treatment. Jones did not disclose her whereabouts following the incident.
In summary, Sam Jones’ actions in Australia led to significant public outcry and an investigation by authorities. Her apology and reflections on the incident highlight the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife laws, particularly in countries where certain species are protected.
