A US hunting influencer who sparked outrage in Australia after removing a baby wombat from its mother on a road has apologized for her actions, saying she was trying to ensure the animal’s safety.
Sam Jones left Australia on Friday morning amid reports that immigration authorities were reviewing whether she had breached visa conditions. In a statement posted on Instagram, Jones claimed she received thousands of death threats and questioned why Australians are outraged when wombats are slaughtered.
Jones said she found the baby wombat on the road and thought it might be injured or sick. She picked it up to check but returned it to its mother immediately. However, her actions were described as “blatant disregard” for native wildlife by RSCPA Australia.
The home affairs minister Tony Burke announced that immigration authorities would review Jones’ visa conditions. The Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese called the incident an “outrage”, while the RSPCA said the footage showed a “callous act” causing distress to the joey and its mother.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/15/baby-wombat-snatching-us-influencer-apologises-and-says-she-was-concerned-for-australian-animal-ntwnfb