An American influencer who sparked outrage after posting a video of her snatching a baby wombat from its mom whereas in Australia apologised on Saturday (March 15, 2025), saying she had acted out of concern for the younger animal’s welfare.
Australian authorities had threatened Sam Jones with deportation after she posted a video on her Instagram account of her working with a wombat joey in her palms from its mom on a roadside at night time.
“I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me,” Ms. Jones, who additionally makes use of the title Samantha Strable, posted on social media.
“The snap judgement I made in these moments was never from a place of harm or stealing a joey,” she added.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned the video of the younger wombat being grabbed was “just an outrage.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke mentioned his division was investigating whether or not Jones had breached the phrases of her visa earlier than she left the nation on Friday.
“There’s never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia,” Burke mentioned after she left Australia voluntarily.
Mr. Burke mentioned he didn’t count on Ms. Jones would apply for an Australian visa once more.
The animal seems to be a typical wombat, often known as a bare-nosed wombat. It is a protected marsupial discovered solely in Australia.
Montana-based Jones claimed she turned “extremely concerned” when she discovered the 2 wombats on a highway not transferring.
“As wombats are so often hit on Australian roads, I stopped to ensure they got off the road safely and didn’t get hit,” Jones mentioned.
“However, as is seen from the video, when I walked up to them, the joey did not move or run off. I was concerned it may have been sick or injured, and made a snap judgement to pick up the joey and see if that was the case,” she added.
An unidentified man laughs as he movies Jones saying: “I caught a baby wombat.” They each observe the mom’s sounds of aggression.
Animal welfare consultants mentioned Jones may have harmed the joey by dangling it by its two forelegs.
Ms. Jones mentioned she returned the joey to its mom and ensured they each left the highway.
“I have done a great deal of reflection on this situation and have realised that I did not handle this situation as best as I should have,” she mentioned.
“I have learned from this situation, and am truly sorry for the distress I have caused,” she added.
Ms. Jones didn’t instantly reply on Saturday to The Associated Press’s questions, together with the place and when the baby wombat was captured.
A wombat skilled mentioned the video revealed the joey had the pores and skin illness mange and would die with out therapy.
Ms. Jones additionally didn’t inform the AP the place she was on Saturday.
Published – March 15, 2025 11:40 pm IST
