US influencer who snatched baby wombat in Australia apologises after video sparked outrage

The American influencer who snatched a baby wombat from its distressed mother has said “thousands threatened” her life, and that she is “truly sorry” in an Instagram post.

Sam Jones, who describes herself as an “outdoor enthusiast and hunter”, wrote a lengthy statement on social media, saying she was “extremely concerned” about the wombat’s health, so she ran away from the joey’s mother out of fear of attack.

She says she “immediately” returned it to its mother.

“I have done a great deal of reflection on this situation and have realised that I did not handle this situation as best as I should have (…) I have learnt from this situation, and am truly sorry for the distress I have caused.”

In the now-deleted video posted to her 92,000 followers on Instagram, Jones said: “I caught a baby wombat”, as a man filming her laughs.

In the video, the wombat could be seen struggling and heard hissing as its mother followed on the road behind.

She returned the baby wombat to the roadside after several seconds.

Jones left the country on Friday after the Australian government said it was reviewing her visa.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticised the influencer, who sparked outrage across the country, telling reporters: “To take a baby wombat from its mother, and clearly causing distress to the mother, is just an outrage.

“And, you know, I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she might try some other Australian animals.

“Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there.

“Take another animal that can actually fight back rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother – see how you go there.”

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The country’s interior minister Tony Burke said on Thursday that his department is reviewing the conditions of the American’s visa – and whether she had breached immigration law.

The baby wombat is a protected species of marsupial found only in Australia.

“Given the level of scrutiny that will happen if she ever applies for a visa again, I’ll be surprised if she even bothers,” said Mr Burke.

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