Influencer Apologizes for Snatching Baby Wombat in Australia
American influencer Samantha Jones, also known as Samantha Strable, has apologized after sparking outrage for snatching a baby wombat from its mother while in Australia. In a video posted on Instagram, Jones can be seen running with the wombat joey in her hands. Australian authorities threatened her with deportation for her actions.
Jones explained that she was acting out of concern for the animal’s welfare, not to cause harm or steal the joey. She claimed she found the wombats on a road, not moving, and picked up the joey to check if it was sick or injured. Animal welfare experts criticized her for potentially harming the joey by dangling it by its forelegs.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the video “an outrage,” and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said his department was investigating if Jones had breached her visa terms. Jones has since left Australia voluntarily, and Burke stated that he did not expect her to apply for an Australian visa again.
Experts pointed out that the joey had the skin disease mange and needed treatment to survive. Despite returning the joey to its mother and ensuring they left the road safely, Jones admitted that she did not handle the situation well. She apologized for the distress caused and expressed regret for her actions.
Jones did not provide details of where and when the baby wombat was captured, nor did she disclose her current whereabouts. However, she acknowledged the mistake she made and stated that she had learned from the situation.
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