In Melbourne, Australia, an American influencer found herself in hot water after posting a video that sparked widespread backlash. The video depicted her taking a baby wombat away from its mother during her time in Australia, a move she claimed was driven by concern for the animal’s safety. On Saturday, she issued an apology, saying her actions were aimed at ensuring the young wombat’s wellbeing.
The influencer, known as Sam Jones, faced potential deportation by Australian authorities after the video surfaced on her Instagram account. The footage showed her sprinting away from the mother wombat on a roadside at night with the joey in her hands. Jones, who is also known as Samantha Strable, explained on social media, “I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me.” She further emphasized that her quick decision was not intended to harm or abduct the joey.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the video, describing the incident as “just an outrage.” Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced an investigation to determine if Jones had violated any visa conditions before she opted to leave the country on Friday. Following her departure, Burke remarked, “There’s never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia,” and suggested he did not anticipate her seeking another Australian visa.
The animal in question appeared to be a common wombat, also known as a bare-nosed wombat, a protected marsupial exclusive to Australia. Jones, who hails from Montana, asserted she was “extremely concerned” upon encountering the two stationary wombats on the road. “As wombats are so frequently struck on Australian roads, I halted to ensure their safe passage off the road,” she stated. Observing the joey’s lack of movement, she worried it might be ill or injured and made the impulse decision to help by taking the joey.
The video, narrated by a laughing man filming Jones, included her statement, “I caught a baby wombat,” while both noted the aggressive sounds made by the mother. Experts in animal welfare cautioned that the way Jones handled the joey, by holding it by its forelegs, could have been harmful. Jones assured viewers that she returned the joey to its mother and made sure both left the vicinity.
Reflecting on the incident, Jones acknowledged she could have managed the situation better. “I have done a great deal of reflection on this situation and have realized that I did not handle this situation as best as I should have,” she shared. Expressing regret, she added, “I have learned from this situation, and am truly sorry for the distress I have caused.”
However, on Saturday, Jones did not respond to inquiries from the media, including questions about when and where the video was recorded. An expert on wombats highlighted that the video showed the joey suffered from mange, a skin disease that could be fatal if untreated. The current whereabouts of Jones remained undisclosed.
