American influencer’s visa under review after baby wombat video sparks outrage
Australia is reviewing the visa status of an American influencer after a viral video showed her grabbing a baby wombat, sparking widespread condemnation.
I’m more distressed about a baby wombat than tarrifs today.
And Sam Jones manhandled that baby while mumma frantically tried to save her baby.
I want that American animal abuser, charged & kicked out of Australia.
Who’s with me??
— – Cass (@Cassandrasl99) March 12, 2025
The Immigration Minister of Australia says he is trying to deport American “influencer” Sam Jones after she took a terrified baby wombat from its mother.
“I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual, I don’t expect she will return.”
Throw her in jail first. pic.twitter.com/dWK3hu4z4o
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) March 13, 2025
Sam Jones, a self-described “outdoor enthusiast and hunter,” posted the now-deleted video to her 92,000 Instagram followers. The clip showed her lifting a baby wombat—a protected Australian marsupial—as it visibly struggled and hissed while its mother followed closely behind. She later placed the joey back on the road.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that immigration officials are assessing whether Jones breached visa conditions. “Given the level of scrutiny that will happen if she ever applies for a visa again, I’ll be surprised if she even bothers,” he stated. “I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual.”
Jones has not responded to media inquiries, and her Instagram account has since been set to private. It remains unclear whether she is still in the country.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the video “distressing” and urged respect for the nation’s unique wildlife. “Really, leave the wombat alone,” she stated in a television interview.
Wildlife advocates have condemned the incident, warning that human interference can have fatal consequences for baby wombats. In Australia, harming protected species without a license can result in legal penalties. Authorities continue to investigate the case.
