MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An American influencer named Sam Jones triggered a backlash when she posted a video showing her taking a baby wombat from its mother while in Australia. This incident happened while she was concerned about the young animal’s safety.
After the video went viral, Australian authorities threatened Jones with deportation. In her defense, she claimed she ran away from the mother wombat out of fear. “I wasn’t trying to hurt the joey,” she later explained. She added that her quick decision was made in the interest of the animal’s welfare, not to steal it.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the act “just an outrage.” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that his department was investigating whether Jones violated her visa terms before she left Australia on Friday. Burke also made a point that this was “a great day to be a baby wombat,” indicating the wombat’s well-being remained a priority after Jones’s departure.
Wombats are a protected species in Australia, and common wombats, also known as bare-nosed wombats, face many dangers, especially on roads. Jones claimed her intentions were good; she spotted two wombats on the road and wanted to make sure they were safe. However, animal experts criticized her actions. They noted that picking up the joey by its forelegs could have seriously harmed it.
Jones said she returned the joey to its mother and helped them off the road. Despite her claims of reflection and regret, a wombat expert pointed out that the joey appeared to have mange, a skin disease that can be fatal without treatment.
Public reactions on social media have been intense. Many users expressed outrage, sharing their opinions about the treatment of wildlife and the responsibilities of tourists. This incident highlights a larger conversation about animal welfare and the impact of social media on our understanding of it.
In recent years, the rise of social media influencers has brought animal welfare issues to light, leading to increased scrutiny of how wildlife is treated. For instance, according to a 2022 report by the Animal Welfare Institute, animal rights activism on platforms like Instagram has influenced public opinion and resulted in stricter regulations concerning wildlife interactions.
While Sam Jones has stated she has learned from her actions, the incident raises questions about awareness and responsibility when it comes to interacting with wildlife. It’s important to remain informed and cautious when dealing with protected species engaging in activities that may threaten their well-being.
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Source linkAnimals, Australia, General news, Asia, Asia Pacific, World news, Anthony Albanese, Sam Jones, Samantha Strable, Associated Press, Tony Burke
