American social media influencer Samantha Jones departed Australia on Friday after authorities announced a review of her visa over a controversial video showing her grabbing a baby wombat from its mother. Jones, who describes herself as an “outdoor enthusiast and hunter,” made her Instagram private following widespread condemnation.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed her voluntary departure, stating, “There’s never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia.” The video, filmed in darkness, shows Montana-based Jones lifting the wombat joey by its front legs from a roadside before running away as a man filming her laughs. She later returned the joey to the ground.
Burke said Friday that her visa conditions were under review to determine if immigration laws had been violated, adding, “I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual, I don’t expect she will return.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned her actions, calling it an “outrage” and mockingly suggesting she try taking a baby crocodile instead.
Jones, also known as Samantha Strable, shut down social media messages and was unavailable for comment. The wombat, identified as a common wombat, is a protected marsupial found only in Australia. Animal care charity Wombat Rescue expressed concern over the joey’s condition, with founder Yolandi Vermaak warning the separation could lead to the mother rejecting it. The video also showed signs of mange on the joey, prompting calls to locate it for urgent treatment.
Source: Swifteradio.com
