Reckless abduction of baby wombat: influencer now faces drastic punishment

Brisbane (Australia) - A video shared on social media of a baby animal being kidnapped has become the undoing of a US influencer: Sam Jones could now be kicked out of Australia and may never be allowed to return.

With the wriggling baby in her hands, the influencer runs away from the panicked mother.
With the wriggling baby in her hands, the influencer runs away from the panicked mother.  © Montage: reddit/AnimalsChasingCars

The video shows the woman snatching an innocent baby wombat from its mother. A man can be heard laughing at this.

"Look at the mother running after her," he comments. You can then see an adult wombat desperately chasing the woman.

The video caused great horror among animal rights activists. The sudden separation from the mother probably caused massive stress in the young animal, as CNN reports.

Not only issuch an intervention cruel for the animals , it was also not exactly harmless for Jones. Normally the peaceful animals do not attack just like that, but in stressful situations it can be quite different.

Wombats are peaceful, but can be dangerous

Like all native animals in Australia, wombats are also protected by law. (symbolic image)
Like all native animals in Australia, wombats are also protected by law. (symbolic image)  © 123rf/fotonators

Wombats have very strong claws that they use to dig into the ground. According to Professor Barry Brook, these can cause great damage to human skin and possibly cause infections.

Jones himself wrote on the video that both animals had returned to the wild completely unharmed.

"I never capture wild animals that could be harmed by this," she claimed.

The video has since disappeared from social media and her Instagram account has been made private.

The tourist could now be kicked out of the country

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (62) is also furious.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (62) is also furious.  © DAVID GRAY / AFP

The behavior of the American tourist caused outrage throughout the country. Now even her visa could be in danger.

If she is found to have breached the conditions, she will have to leave the country.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke (55) has already said that the ministry is reviewing the case. He hinted that she may never be welcome in Australia again.

"Snatching a baby wombat from its mother and causing clear suffering to the mother is simply a scandal," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (62) also commented on the incident.

He also had an idea for the US American : "I suggest this so-called influencer try it with other Australian animals. Take a baby crocodile away from its mother and see how you fare."