American Influencer Sparks Outrage After Snatching Baby Wombat in Australia, Issues Apology

MELBOURNE, Australia — American influencer Sam Jones issued an apology on March 16, 2025, after facing backlash for a video showing her taking a baby wombat from its mother. The incident, which occurred in Australia, led to threats of deportation from local authorities as they investigated potential visa violations.

The incident sparked outrage when Jones posted a video on social media showing her running with a baby wombat, also known as a joey, in her hands. In her defense, Jones stated she acted out of concern for the animal’s safety, claiming she feared the mother wombat might attack her. She explained that she initially stopped to help the wombats on the road, which are often victims of traffic accidents.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the video as “just an outrage,” while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced an investigation into whether Jones had violated her visa terms. Burke noted that the wombat appears to be a protected species in Australia, specifically a common or bare-nosed wombat. He remarked that it was “never a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia,” indicating that the joey was now safe.

Animal welfare experts criticized Jones’s actions, stating that her handling of the joey could have caused it harm. They pointed out that the joey exhibited signs of mange, a skin disease that requires treatment to prevent death. Jones later claimed she returned the joey to its mother and ensured their safe passage off the road. In her apology, she acknowledged her mistake and expressed regret for the distress caused by her actions.

This incident highlights the importance of understanding wildlife protection laws and the potential consequences of actions that may seem well-intentioned but can lead to harm or legal repercussions.