Australia is gripped by outrage following the actions of American influencer Sam Jones, who filmed herself taking a baby wombat from its mother, captivating and horrifying viewers worldwide. The incident, which occurred on March 13, 2025, was initially shared with her 92,000 Instagram followers, prompting immediate backlash.
Video evidence shows Jones picking up the baby wombat, known as a joey, from the side of the road and fleeing to her car as the distressed mother wombat followed closely behind. "I caught a baby wombat!" Jones stated gleefully. The footage includes laughter from onlookers, with one man commenting, "Look at the mother, it's chasing after her!" This shocking interaction spurred condemnation from various sectors, including the highest levels of Australian government.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stepped forward, publicly criticizing Jones's actions. He stated, "To take a baby wombat from its mother, and clearly causing distress from the mother, is just an outrage. 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." Albanese's words reflected not only concern for the animal welfare issue at hand but also highlighted the inappropriate nature of Jones's actions.
Alongside Albanese, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced on the same day the review of Jones's visa status, speculating about whether her behavior constituted a breach of her conditions of stay. Burke expressed, “I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual; I don’t expect she will return.” This scrutiny signals the serious consequences Jones may face for her actions.
The situation has drawn sharp attention from wildlife advocacy groups as well, particularly the Wombat Protection Society. Representatives from the organization condemned Jones’s behavior as "mishandling of a wombat joey in apparent snatch for social media likes.“ They noted the risk her actions posed to the joey's safety after it was returned to the road – potentially exposing it to traffic dangers.
Animal welfare expert Suzanne Milthorpe from World Animal Protection Australia stated, "Wombats are not a photo prop or plaything.” She emphasized the distress caused not only to the joey but also to its mother, advocating for legal action against individuals who engage similarly. Observers from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) voiced concerns about the blatant disrespect shown toward wildlife during the incident, insisting this treatment should not be tolerated.
After the backlash, Jones, who describes herself on social media as both an “outdoor enthusiast and hunter” along with claims of being engaged with wildlife biology, deleted the controversial video. Following the incident, she made her Instagram account private, and according to reports, she defended her actions, claiming she only held the baby wombat for one minute before returning it safely to its mother.
"For everyone that's worried and unhappy, the baby was carefully held for ONE minute in total and then released back to mum. They wandered back off together completely unharmed," Jones allegedly conveyed through social media channels. The argument of the joey's well-being, amid so much distress it manifested, has been widely challenged by experts.
Despite Jones’s proclamations of innocence, many still question the legality of her actions. Australian wildlife protection laws prohibit the taking or harming of native species, irrespective of their conservation status. Wombats, like many native Australian animals, have specific protections under wildlife law, underscoring the potential legal ramifications Jones could face.
Jones has faced immense public backlash, with calls for her deportation gaining momentum. Minister Burke's initiative to examine her visa status reflects widespread frustration concerning visitors' treatment of wildlife. Commentators on social media have rightfully pointed out the ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding wildlife interactions, emphasizing respect and care for native species.
Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, also joined the condemnation, stating the video displayed distressing visuals and urged the public to recognise the inherent wellbeing of wildlife. "It looked pretty dreadful, didn't it? Really, leave the wombat alone", Wong remarked during announced interviews.
This incident not only highlights the recklessness associated with extreme attention-seeking behaviors on social media but also the global dilemma of connection and power over wildlife. The outcry from the Australian public accentuates their deep-rooted respect for their wildlife, showing strong disapproval for actions seen as harmful or exploitative.
Whether or not Jones's visa will be revoked remains to be seen, but the pressure from the Australian public and wildlife advocates is shaping the discussions surrounding her future. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility both of visitors to Australia and local residents to protect the country’s unique and fragile wildlife.
Indeed, as conversations surrounding this incident continue, it is evident Australia stands firm against unacceptable treatment of its native species, prepared to reinforce measures to prevent similar occurrences from happening again.