The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 21, 2025
Today: March 21, 2025

Australia reviews visa of American influencer filmed snatching baby wombat

March 13, 2025
Alasdair Pal - Reuters

By Alasdair Pal

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's interior minister said on Thursday his department was reviewing the visa status of a American influencer who uploaded a video of her grabbing a baby wombat in an incident that has caused outrage in the country.

Sam Jones, who describes herself as an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter", posted a now-deleted video to her 92,000 followers on Instagram taken in an unknown location in Australia.

It shows her picking up the baby wombat, a protected species of marsupial found only in Australia, that is seen struggling and heard hissing as its mother follows on the road behind. The woman later places the wombat back on the road.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement his department was reviewing the conditions of Jones' current visa and determining whether immigration law had been breached.

"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 said.

"I can't wait for Australia to see the back of this individual, I don't expect she will return."

Jones could not be reached for comment. Her Instagram account has since been set to private and it was not clear if she remained in the country.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the video was distressing.

"It looked pretty dreadful, didn't it?" she said in an interview with Channel Seven on Thursday.

"Really, leave the wombat alone."

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

Share This

Popular

Australia|Business|Economy|Food|Political

Australia's supermarkets grew profit margins as living costs soared, says regulator

Australia's supermarkets grew profit margins as living costs soared, says regulator
Australia|Sports

Hamilton dismisses talk of frustration with Ferrari after excessive radio chatter

Hamilton dismisses talk of frustration with Ferrari after excessive radio chatter
Australia|Economy|Political|World

New Zealand Defence Force looks to cut some civilian roles

New Zealand Defence Force looks to cut some civilian roles
Australia|Business|Economy|Finance

Australia employment posts surprise fall in February but jobless rate still low

Australia employment posts surprise fall in February but jobless rate still low

Crime

Crime|Europe|Political|World

This AP map shows sabotage across Europe that has been blamed on Russia and its proxies

This AP map shows sabotage across Europe that has been blamed on Russia and its proxies
Crime|Education|Political|US

Thousands allege sexual abuse in youth detention centers. It could cost Maryland a huge sum

Thousands allege sexual abuse in youth detention centers. It could cost Maryland a huge sum
Crime|Europe|Political|Travel|US

Detentions of European tourists at US borders spark fears of traveling to America

Detentions of European tourists at US borders spark fears of traveling to America
Crime|Political|US

Police end Democratic lawmaker's town hall after fiery confrontations

Police end Democratic lawmaker's town hall after fiery confrontations

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In