The controversy surrounding an American social media influencer, who had been touring Australia, has taken a significant turn. Sam Jones, known for her substantial following of over 92,000 on Instagram, found herself at the center of a nationwide debate after she posted a video that sparked widespread criticism. The video in question showed her picking up a joey, a baby wombat, that had been separated from its mother, and then proceeded to take it away, all while capturing the moment for her social media audience. The joey’s mother could be seen frantically following, clearly distressed by the separation from her young.
This incident, which occurred while Jones was visiting the southeastern part of Australia – a region known for its wombat population, has ignited a fierce debate about animal welfare and the responsibilities that come with interacting with wildlife. The exact date and location of the video, other than it being in the southeastern region, are not known, but it is clear from the footage that it took place at night. What is evident, however, is the significant backlash Jones faced, with many condemning her actions as irresponsible and harmful to the animal.
The Australian government also weighed in on the matter, with the Minister for Home Affairs expressing strong disapproval of Jones’ actions, stating that they were completely unacceptable. The minister emphasized that such behavior not only put the joey in danger but also caused its mother significant stress. This strong stance was echoed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who strongly criticized Jones’ decision to handle the joey, suggesting that if she were to attempt something similar with a crocodile, she would quickly understand the gravity of her actions.
As the situation unfolded, CNN reported that Jones had voluntarily left Australia, following the intense public scrutiny and the government’s consideration to revoke her visa. Despite attempts by CNN to contact Jones for a statement, there has been no response. The controversy led to Jones removing the video from her Instagram account, a move seen as an attempt to mitigate the backlash she was facing.
The incident highlights the growing concern over the impact of social media influencers on wildlife and the environment. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting animals’ natural habitats and the potential consequences of interfering with them, even if the intention is to create engaging content for an online audience. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected through social media, stories like these underscore the need for education and awareness about responsible wildlife interaction and the preservation of endangered species, such as the wombat.
Source: CNN
