US influencer Sam Jones recently stirred up a storm when she posted a video of herself picking up a baby wombat off the road. After facing backlash, she has issued an apology, claiming her intentions were to help the animal.
In her Instagram post, Jones explained that when she noticed the mother and joey on the road, she was worried they’d get hit. She said, "As wombats often get hit, I stopped to make sure they were safe." She explained that after observing the joey lying still without moving, she made a quick decision to pick it up, fearing it could be injured.
However, the video sparked outrage across social media. Critics accused her of distressing the baby wombat and separating it from its mother. Many users expressed their anger, leading to petitions that called for her deportation from Australia. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that her visa status is under review due to this incident.
Jones defended her actions, claiming they were not meant for social media popularity, stating, "This wasn’t staged for likes." She emphasized that she returned the joey to its mother right after. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of wildlife in Australia. Jones pointed out that thousands of wombats are legally killed each year for various reasons, including land clearing and agriculture.
Statistics from the Australian government reveal that around 90 million kangaroos and wallabies have been legally slaughtered in the past 20 years. Jones highlighted this as a hypocrisy while condemning her public vilification for her actions with the wombat.
Despite the backlash, she believes it is crucial to shed light on the issues facing Australian wildlife. She urged others to consider the broader context of animal welfare in Australia before condemning her actions.
This incident isn’t just about one video. It opens up a larger conversation about how society views native wildlife and the regulations around their protection. Many social media users and wildlife advocates have stepped up to point out the need for stronger laws to protect these animals from harm.
For additional insights into wildlife conservation, you can visit organizations like the Australian Wildlife Conservancy here, which works towards preserving Australia’s unique ecosystems.
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