An American hunting influencer, Sam Jones, has come under fire following her irresponsible actions during a visit to Australia where she was filmed snatching a baby wombat from its mother for social media fame. The now-deleted video, which went viral before being removed, captures Jones running across the road with the joey, prompting widespread outrage and drawing criticism from conservationists and government officials alike.
Jones, who boasts over 92,000 followers on Instagram, described herself as a "wildlife biologist and environmental scientist". Her video depicted the distressed mother wombat chasing after her as she held the baby wombat aloft for the camera, seemingly unfazed by the distress her actions were causing. The clip shows her declaring, "I caught a baby wombat. Okay, mum is right there and she is pissed. Let’s let him go." Despite her claim of not harming the joey and reuniting it with its mother, wildlife experts have warned against her handling of the animal.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not shy away from criticizing Jones's actions, labeling them as "an outrage". He quipped, "I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she might try some other Australian animals. Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there," highlighting the absurdity of her actions and underlining the severity of how they endangered native wildlife.
On March 13, 2025, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the review of Jones's visa status due to her actions. "I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual, I don’t expect she will return,” he stated, signaling the government's serious stance on the matter. The Department of Home Affairs is now assessing whether she broke any immigration laws with her conduct.
Experts have warned of the potential ramifications of such interactions with wildlife. Jess Abrahams from the Australian Conservation Foundation criticized her actions, saying, "This is not the way to treat wildlife anywhere in the world – especially not in Australia." Licensed rescuer Yolandi Vermaak explained to Yahoo News the tragic reality facing such joeys—the possibility of being abandoned by their mothers if separated. "Nine out of ten times, the mother will not come back for her baby," she noted.
Adding to the outcry, wildlife veterinarian Tania Bishop pointed out the potential for serious injury when handling such young animals. “The way she picked it up could cause serious harm,” she warned. Bishop elaborated on the protection of all Australian wildlife under biosecurity laws, indicating the legal and ethical failures presented by Jones's actions.
The backlash has also led to substantial online petitions. One petition supporting her deportation has gathered over 18,000 signatures, with many people expressing disbelief and anger over the perceived trivialization of animal welfare. “Messing with Australia’s beloved wildlife is not a joke,” the petition states, calling for immediate action against Jones.
Social media users have rallied around the cause, demanding legal repercussions. Comments range from calls for prosecution and heavy fines to outright bans from the country, reflecting how deeply this incident has struck a chord with conservationists and ordinary Australians alike. “Arrest. Fine. Deport. Ban,” one netizen insisted emphatically.
Jones's Instagram highlights, now private since the incident, previously showcased her involvement with Australian wildlife, including various dangerous or sensitive encounters. Reports indicate she has previously presented herself as both animal-friendly and adventurous, but this incident has cast serious doubt over her true respect for wildlife.
Despite the growing scrutiny, Jones has attempted to defend her actions, stating she only held the wombat for one minute, asserting, “For everyone that's worried and unhappy, the baby was carefully held... and then released back to mum.” Nonetheless, many question the reality of her claims, urging authorities to take her actions seriously.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, penalties for violating Australia’s wildlife protection laws are severe, with possible fines ranging from $22,000 to $236,500 and prison sentences of up to five years. The overarching sentiment seems to be one of zero tolerance for actions deemed disrespectful to the environment.
With public outrage surging and calls for accountability echoing across Australia, the fallout from this incident presents broader discussions about social media ethics, wildlife conservation, and the responsibilities of influencers who engage with wildlife. Animal rights advocates are hopeful for stricter enforcement of wildlife laws as this case emphasizes the need for education and respect for Australia’s unique biodiversity.