US Influencer Sam Jones Faces Deportation After Snatching Baby Wombat

American influencer Sam Jones is facing deportation from Australia after a viral video showed her forcibly taking a baby wombat from its distressed mother. The stunt, which was widely condemned by wildlife experts and government officials, has sparked an international outcry and a formal investigation into her visa status.

Disturbing Video Sparks Public Outrage

Jones, who claims to be a wildlife biologist and environmental scientist, posted the now-deleted video on Instagram. In the footage, she can be seen grabbing a young wombat while its panicked mother frantically chases after her. Jones then runs toward a vehicle with the baby in her hands before eventually returning it to its mother.

American hunting influencer Sam Jones is facing fierce backlash after taking a baby wombat from it's mother while visiting Australia. pic.twitter.com/bGUvuxWGX7

— The Project (@theprojecttv) March 12, 2025

Social media erupted with backlash, accusing Jones of exploiting wildlife for clout and endangering the animals for the sake of engagement. Many called for her immediate deportation, arguing that her actions were not only irresponsible but cruel.

Government Moves to Deport Jones

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, wasted no time in responding to the controversy. He confirmed that Jones’ visa was under review and made it clear that she was no longer welcome in the country.

“I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual. I don’t expect she will return,” Burke stated.

His remarks were echoed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who dismissed Jones’ behavior as reckless and disrespectful. In a scathing remark, Albanese suggested that if Jones wanted to interact with Australian wildlife so badly, she should try handling something more formidable like a crocodile.

Wildlife Experts Condemn Jones’ Actions

The stunt has drawn the ire of conservationists and veterinarians, who have emphasized the dangers of interfering with wild animals.

Dr. Tania Bishop, a wildlife veterinarian with WIRES, explained that the joey in the video appeared to be about eight months old and still heavily dependent on its mother. She criticized the way Jones handled the animal, warning that improper support could have caused severe injuries.

“When she’s running, it’s not supported underneath, and wombats are incredibly solid, especially in their back end. There’s every chance she could have fractured the upper humerus or caused damage to the shoulders,” Dr. Bishop said.

Experts also pointed out that forcibly separating a baby from its mother, even briefly, could lead to extreme stress, potential abandonment, and long-term psychological harm.

Jones’ Tone-Deaf Defense and Social Media Meltdown

Initially, Jones attempted to defend herself against the backlash. In a now-private post, she insisted that the baby was “carefully held for one minute in total and then released back to mom.”

She added, “They wandered back off into the bush together completely unharmed. I didn’t think I would be able to catch it in the first place and took an opportunity to appreciate a really incredible animal up close.”

The justification only made matters worse. Critics slammed her for failing to acknowledge the harm she caused and for treating Australia’s wildlife as props for social media content.

Following the intense scrutiny, Jones has since locked down her social media accounts, retreating from public view as the investigation into her visa status continues.

Broader Implications: Influencer Culture and Wildlife Exploitation

Jones’ stunt is just the latest example of influencers disregarding ethical boundaries for the sake of online attention. The incident has reignited conversations about the treatment of wildlife in the social media era, where clout-chasing often takes precedence over conservation and respect for nature.

Australian officials are now under increased pressure to tighten regulations around foreign influencers interacting with native species. Wildlife advocates argue that stricter penalties should be in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Jones Flees Australia Amid Investigation

As public outrage grew and government pressure mounted, Jones has reportedly left Australia before an official decision on her visa could be made. Whether she will be banned from returning remains to be seen, but officials have made it clear that she is unlikely to receive a warm welcome should she ever attempt to re-enter the country.

For now, the influencer’s reckless actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of treating wildlife as social media content. The message from Australia is clear: exploit its native animals for attention, and you will face the consequences.