US Influencer Criticized for Illegally Removing Baby Wombat from Mother in Australia

Sam Jones, who claims to be a wildlife biologist, faces backlash and potential legal consequences for distressing native wildlife in a now-deleted video.

Sam Jones, an American influencer, posted a video showing her picking up a baby wombat from its mother on an Australian roadside, causing visible distress to the animals.
The video, now deleted, showed Jones holding the joey improperly, which wildlife experts say could have caused physical harm and significant psychological distress to the baby and its mother.
Australian laws protect native wildlife, and experts confirmed that Jones' actions were illegal under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
The incident, widely condemned online, led to calls for Jones to face legal penalties, including fines, deportation, or a ban from Australia.
Animal welfare organizations, including WIRES and the RSPCA, criticized the act as harmful and disrespectful, emphasizing the dangers of human interference with wildlife.

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