American influencer faces backlash for removing baby wombat from mother for Instagram photo
An American hunting influencer, Samantha Strable, known online as Sam Jones, has faced significant backlash after posting a video where she removes a baby wombat from its distressed mother in Australia for a photo opportunity.
U.S. influencer Sam Jones faces deportation after she was filmed taking a baby wombat from its distressed mother.
Australia's Immigration Minister says he is working to deport the influencer for pulling off the stunt. pic.twitter.com/vfoCpgNsw0 — Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) March 13, 2025
The footage, shared by Strable on her social media, shows her capturing the wild animal from the side of the road at night. As Strable picks up the baby wombat, its mother chases after her, visibly distressed.
Strable, who claims to be a wildlife biologist and environmental scientist, smiles for a photo while holding the terrified animal, later releasing it back onto the road. She assured viewers that the baby and mother were reunited safely, but the video was deleted shortly after the controversy sparked.
Experts have strongly condemned Strable's actions. Dr. Tania Bishop, a wildlife vet with WIRES, explained that removing a young wombat from its mother is harmful because the joey is entirely dependent on its mother for protection.
Bishop also pointed out the potential physical harm caused by Strable's handling of the joey, as wombats' solid bodies can be injured when not properly supported.
Furthermore, the distress caused to both the joey and its mother was evident, as the mother chased Strable across the road, putting herself at risk of being struck by a vehicle.
The video quickly garnered widespread condemnation on social media, with many calling for Strable to be banned from re-entering Australia. Critics argue that, despite Strable's claims of being a wildlife expert, her actions show a lack of respect for animals.
Strable's Instagram feed, which features numerous photos of her posing with dead animals, has also raised concerns about her views on wildlife conservation.
At the time of writing, no charges have been filed against Strable. The Department of Home Affairs has not commented on the matter.
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