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Influencer Apologizes for Wombat Wrangling Incident in Australia
American influencer Sam Jones, also known as Samantha Strable, has issued an apology following a controversial video showing her removing a baby wombat from its mother in Australia. The incident sparked outrage and prompted an investigation by Australian authorities.
Jones explained her actions on social media, stating she was concerned for the joey’s welfare after finding it and its mother on a road, seemingly immobile. Fearing the animals might be struck by a vehicle, and worried the joey might be sick or injured, she decided to pick it up. A video of the incident shows an unidentified man laughing and filming as Jones declares, “I caught a baby wombat,” while acknowledging the mother wombat’s aggressive sounds.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the video “an outrage,” and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed his department investigated whether Jones breached her visa conditions. While Jones left Australia voluntarily on Friday, Burke stated the incident would likely impact any future visa applications. He added, “There’s never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia,” following Jones’s departure.
Animal welfare experts have pointed out that Jones’s handling of the joey, dangling it by its forelegs, could have caused harm. Furthermore, a wombat expert who viewed the video noted the joey appeared to be suffering from mange, a skin disease that can be fatal without treatment.
Jones maintains she returned the joey to its mother and ensured both animals moved away from the road. Expressing remorse for the incident, Jones admitted to a lapse in judgment and stated, “I have learned from this situation, and am truly sorry for the distress I have caused.” She has not disclosed the specific location or date of the incident.