Key takeaways:
- Sam Jones, a U.S. social media influencer, faced backlash after posting a video of herself picking up a baby wombat in Australia, sparking a heated debate about her actions.
- Jones apologized on Instagram, explaining her intention was to protect the wombat from potential harm, not to separate it from its mother.
- The incident drew attention from Australian authorities and public figures, highlighting concerns about wildlife interactions and influencer responsibilities.
Sam Jones, a social media influencer from the United States, recently faced significant backlash after posting a controversial video on her Instagram account. The video, which has since drawn widespread criticism, shows Jones picking up a baby wombat from its mother while in Australia. The incident took place on a roadside at night, and the footage captures the young wombat struggling and hissing as its mother pursued them. With over 96,000 followers, Jones, who describes herself as an “outdoor enthusiast,” quickly became the center of a heated debate regarding her actions.
In response to the criticism, Jones issued an apology on her Instagram account on Saturday. She explained that her actions were motivated by concern for the safety of the young wombat, fearing it might be hit by a car. Jones stated that when she approached the animals, the baby wombat did not move, prompting her to make a quick decision to pick it up. She clarified that her intention was not to separate the joey from its mother but to ensure their safety by moving them off the road.
The incident has also caught the attention of Australian authorities, who reportedly considered deporting Jones due to her actions. The video has sparked outrage among the public and officials alike, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing the footage as “just an outrage.” The situation has highlighted the sensitivity surrounding interactions with wildlife, particularly in a country known for its diverse and unique animal species.
Jones, who also goes by the name Samantha Strable, emphasized in her apology that she ran not to harm the animals but out of fear that the mother wombat might attack her. Despite her explanation, the incident has raised questions about the responsibilities of influencers when interacting with wildlife and the potential consequences of their actions being shared on social media platforms.
Be First to Comment