The actions of US influencer Sam Jones have sparked outrage in Australia after she was seen in a video grabbing a baby wombat from its mother and running across the road while holding the distressed joey. The video, which was originally posted on Instagram, has since been deleted following severe backlash from Australians and wildlife experts.
Jones, who claims to be a “wildlife biologist and environmental scientist,” is now facing widespread criticism and calls for her deportation from the country. Her actions not only violated Australia’s strict wildlife protection laws but also raised ethical concerns about the exploitation of native animals for social media content.
The video showed Jones holding the baby wombat while its mother chased after her, visibly distressed by the sudden separation from her young. An Australian man in the background of the video could be heard laughing and commenting on the mother’s reaction.
Jones, seemingly amused by the situation, declared, “I caught a baby wombat!” while the joey made distressed noises. After a few moments, she admitted that the mother was “p***ed” and released the joey, allowing it to reunite with its mother.
Despite her caption claiming that the “baby and mom slowly waddled back off together into the bush,” the damage had already been done, and the internet erupted in anger.
Violation of Wildlife Protection Laws
Australia has strict laws protecting its native wildlife, and interfering with these animals can result in significant legal consequences. Wildlife rescue organization WIRES confirmed that Jones’ actions were illegal under Australian law.
WIRES Wildlife Vet Dr. Tania Bishop explained that the baby wombat, which appeared to be around eight months old, was still heavily dependent on its mother for protection. Separating a joey from its mother can cause extreme distress, potentially leading to long-term behavioral and health issues.
Dr. Bishop further emphasized that the way Jones handled the joey could have caused severe injuries. Wombats are known for their sturdy, solid bodies, especially in their back end.
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By holding the baby wombat improperly while running, Jones risked fracturing its bones, particularly in the upper humerus or shoulders. The joey’s squealing in the video was a clear indication of distress, yet Jones seemed oblivious to the harm she was causing.
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Beyond harming the joey, Jones’ actions also put the mother wombat in danger. In her desperate attempt to follow her baby, the mother ran across the road, increasing the risk of being hit by a car. Many Australians have pointed out that this was an unnecessary and irresponsible risk imposed on a vulnerable animal.
Public Outrage and Calls for Deportation
Following the release of the video, Jones received immediate and overwhelming criticism from Australians and wildlife advocates. Her social media accounts, which boast over 100,000 followers combined on TikTok and Instagram, were quickly flooded with negative comments. In response to the backlash, Jones deleted the video and made her accounts private, but this did little to calm public anger.
A Reddit thread discussing the incident captured the general sentiment, with many users expressing their disappointment and frustration. “Every Aussie knows. You see baby wildlife with its family, you leave it alone. They aren’t toys for your amusement,” one user stated.
Another criticized Jones’ apparent entitlement, arguing that she prioritized her personal desires over the well-being of the animals involved. “It’s not just the entitlement, it’s the disrespect. That her first instinct is not awe and gratitude to see this animal in the wild but to rush in to greedily exploit the moment for personal gain… Absolutely shameful.”
Many Australians are now calling for Jones to be held accountable for her actions. Some have suggested that she should be fined under Australia’s wildlife protection laws, while others believe she should be deported and banned from returning to the country. “Arrest. Fine. Deport. Ban.” one Reddit user demanded. Another added, “That poor wombat. Australia needs to do more to kick these morons out.”
The Bigger Issue: Social Media and Wildlife Exploitation
The incident involving Sam Jones highlights a broader issue: the growing trend of social media influencers exploiting wildlife for views and engagement.
In the age of Instagram and TikTok, many influencers go to extreme lengths to create viral content, often at the expense of the animals they encounter. This is not the first time an influencer has faced backlash for mishandling wildlife, and it likely won’t be the last.
Wildlife experts stress the importance of responsible behavior when interacting with animals. Disturbing native species, even momentarily, can have long-lasting consequences on their well-being and survival.
Animals in the wild follow natural behavioral patterns that should not be disrupted for human entertainment. Experts also warn that such incidents can encourage others to imitate dangerous behavior, further endangering wildlife populations.
Many conservationists urge social media platforms to take a more active role in preventing the spread of such harmful content. While Jones deleted her video, it had already been viewed and shared by many, reinforcing the need for stricter guidelines on wildlife-related content.
Conservation organizations are calling for better education on wildlife protection, particularly for tourists and influencers who may not understand the consequences of their actions.
Jones’ case serves as a reminder that respecting wildlife should always take precedence over social media engagement. While she may have seen the baby wombat as an opportunity for an Instagram moment, the distress and potential harm caused to the animal were far from justifiable. The backlash against her actions reflects the collective responsibility people feel toward protecting Australia’s unique and vulnerable wildlife.
In the wake of this controversy, it remains to be seen whether Australian authorities will take legal action against Jones. Regardless of the outcome, the incident has sparked a much-needed conversation about the ethical responsibilities of influencers and the importance of leaving wildlife undisturbed in their natural habitat.
The overwhelming response from the public shows that Australians take their wildlife protection seriously and will not tolerate reckless behavior that endangers their native species.
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