In a saga that has gripped the nation, American influencer Sam Jones has become the centre of controversy following a video she posted, which depicted her handling a baby wombat. This incident has sparked outrage across Australia and raised questions regarding her visa status.
Wombat’s Distress Caught on Camera
Jones, who describes herself as an “outdoor enthusiast and hunter”, shared a now-deleted video with her 92,000 followers. The clip, filmed in an undisclosed location, showed her picking up the distressed baby wombat while its mother followed in a frantic chase.
Government’s Response
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that the department would review Jones’ visa status and assess whether any immigration laws were broken. Burke expressed doubt that she would ever apply for a visa in Australia again, stating, “Given the level of scrutiny that will happen… I’ll be surprised if she even bothers.”
Public Outcry and Political Remarks
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from both the public and political leaders. Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, described the video as an “outrage”, urging Jones to reconsider her choice of animal if she seeks to engage with Australia’s unique wildlife in the future.
Wombats: A Protected Species
Wombats are native marsupials, protected under Australian law. Mishandling wildlife not only endangers them but also violates regulations aimed at conserving their natural habitats.
Following the backlash, Jones has reportedly left Australia and her Instagram account has been set to private, making her whereabouts unclear. This saga serves as a reminder of the relationship between humans and wildlife and the responsibilities that come with it.