MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — A U.S. social media influencer has come under fire after a viral video showed her grabbing a baby wombat from its mother while in Australia. The act triggered widespread condemnation from wildlife experts, government officials, and social media users, leading to an official investigation and the influencer’s voluntary departure from the country. Now, after leaving Australia, Sam Jones—who also goes by the name Samantha Strable—has issued a public apology, claiming she acted out of concern for the animal’s well-being.
The footage, originally posted on Jones’ Instagram account, captured the Montana-based influencer running away from a roadside while holding a wombat joey. In the background, an unidentified man can be heard laughing while filming, exclaiming, “I caught a baby wombat.” The video also features the distressed sounds of the mother wombat, indicating agitation. Public backlash was swift, with Australian authorities, conservation groups, and social media users condemning Jones for what they saw as reckless and harmful behavior. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the footage “an outrage,” while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that his department had been looking into whether Jones had violated her visa terms. Burke later stated that Jones was unlikely to be granted another visa in the future.
Wildlife experts also criticized Jones for handling the joey improperly. The way she held the baby wombat by its forelegs could have caused serious injury, according to animal welfare specialists. Dr. Marcus Reid, a wildlife veterinarian, explained that improper handling can stress the animal and lead to physical harm. He added that wild animals should never be picked up by untrained individuals, especially when their mothers are present.
Jones defended her actions in a statement, claiming she had acted out of concern for the wombat’s safety. She said that she noticed two wombats on the road that weren’t moving and feared they could be hit by a passing vehicle. She explained that when she approached, the joey did not react or run away, leading her to believe it might be sick or injured. She claimed that she picked up the joey to assess its condition, but after realizing it was not hurt, she returned it to its mother and ensured they left the road safely. Jones also stated that she ran because she feared the mother wombat might attack her, insisting that she never intended to harm or steal the animal. However, many critics doubted her explanation, arguing that if she had been truly concerned, she should have contacted a wildlife rescue organization rather than handling the joey herself.
Following intense criticism, Jones issued a public apology, acknowledging that she had made a mistake. She admitted that she had not handled the situation properly and stated, “I have done a great deal of reflection on this situation and have realized that I did not handle it as best as I should have. I have learned from this, and I am truly sorry for the distress I have caused.” Despite her apology, many remain skeptical, questioning whether she was only apologizing due to the backlash. Some social media users criticized her for using the moment for engagement, arguing that she should have contacted professionals instead of filming and posting the interaction.
Adding to the controversy, a wombat expert reviewed the video and noted that the joey appeared to have mange, a potentially fatal skin disease. Without proper treatment, the wombat was unlikely to survive. This revelation fueled further criticism, with many arguing that Jones may have worsened the Joey’s condition by handling it improperly instead of seeking medical attention for it.
Before Jones left Australia, the Department of Home Affairs was investigating whether she had breached Australian wildlife laws. Wombats are classified as protected animals, meaning it is illegal to remove them from their habitat without authorization. Interfering with wild animals can lead to stress, injury, or abandonment by the mother, and individuals found violating these laws can face fines or deportation. Jones ultimately left Australia voluntarily, but speculation remains that she departed to avoid potential legal consequences.
The incident has ignited a broader discussion about social media influencers interacting with wildlife. Many conservationists argue that influencers frequently disrupt animal habitats for content, often without understanding the potential harm they cause. Rachel Simmons, an Australian wildlife advocate, noted that influencer culture prioritizes viral content over responsible behavior, setting a dangerous precedent. Some believe that stricter laws should be introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Public reaction to Jones’ apology has been mixed. Some expressed sympathy, believing that she genuinely made a mistake, while others remained skeptical, arguing that her actions were reckless and unnecessary. One Australian commenter stated, “You don’t just pick up a wild animal like it’s a pet. This is common sense.” Another said, “If she was truly concerned, she would have called a wildlife rescue organization instead of making a video about it.” Meanwhile, some of Jones’ supporters defended her, stating that she likely acted with good intentions but simply made a poor judgment call.
Jones’ case serves as a cautionary tale for tourists and influencers who interact with wildlife. Experts urge visitors to educate themselves on local laws before engaging with native animals. If an animal appears to be injured, the best course of action is to contact local wildlife rescue services rather than intervene personally. Wildlife specialists warn that human interference can have serious consequences, particularly for young and vulnerable animals.
As a result of this controversy, Australian officials are considering stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws. Some lawmakers have suggested increasing penalties for unauthorized interactions with native animals, arguing that existing laws may not be strict enough to deter irresponsible behavior. Many conservationists hope that this case will serve as a wake-up call to influencers who prioritize content over ethical treatment of animals.
While Jones has left Australia, the repercussions of her actions remain significant. She now finds herself associated with a high-profile wildlife controversy, and whether her apology is enough to repair her reputation remains to be seen. This case highlights the growing tension between social media culture and wildlife conservation, underscoring the need for greater awareness and responsibility when engaging with animals. For now, one thing is clear: wild animals are not props for social media and interactions with them should be left to professionals.
