US Influencer Faces Backlash for Handling Wombat Baby in Australia
The influencer left Australia following widespread criticism and a government review of her visa after posting a controversial video involving a wild wombat.
- Sam Jones, a US influencer with a hunting background, posted an Instagram video showing her separating a wombat baby from its mother, leading to public outrage and government scrutiny.
- The video, now deleted, depicted Jones holding the distressed wombat baby while its mother followed, prompting concerns about potential harm to the animal.
- Australian authorities, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, condemned the act, with officials reviewing whether Jones violated her visa terms or wildlife protection laws.
- Animal welfare experts warned that the handling of the wombat could have caused injuries, and the incident highlighted broader concerns about the treatment of native Australian wildlife.
- Jones apologized on social media, calling the incident a mistake, but ultimately left Australia voluntarily as criticism intensified.
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