Internet star hugging baby koala causes outrage, Australian government steps in

An American female influencer held a baby wombat while filming a video , causing the mother to panic. The incident was met with harsh criticism from the public and the Australian Government.

Female influencer takes baby koala away from mother to film video, then leaves baby on the side of the road - Photo: HLN

According to Reuters news agency on March 13, the Australian Government is reviewing the visa status of a female tourist named Sam Jones, from the state of Montana (USA).

She has 92,000 followers on social media, after she controversially posted a video of her snatching a baby wombat from its mother on Instagram.

In the now-removed video, Ms Jones can be seen holding a baby wombat, a protected marsupial endemic to Australia. She calls it her “dream come true,” as the cub screeches in protest and the mother runs around anxiously.

Although the time of filming of the video has not been determined, this action quickly faced strong criticism from the public, animal protection organizations and Australian officials.

"I suggest to this so-called influential person, try to take a baby crocodile from its mother and see what the result will be," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to the incident at a press conference on March 13.

According to Reuters, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government was investigating whether Ms. Jones had breached her tourist visa conditions. Mr. Burke stressed that the act of separating the baby from its mother not only caused harm to the animal but could also violate Australia's wildlife protection laws.

He also confirmed that regardless of the outcome of the investigation, Ms Jones would face close scrutiny if she applied for a visa to return to Australia.

Animal rights organisation PETA called on the Australian Government to cancel Ms Jones' visa, impose financial penalties and ask her to donate to animal rescue organisations to help with the damage.

WIRES veterinarian Tania Bishop expressed her anger and disappointment, stressing that interfering with wildlife, especially protected native species like koalas, was unacceptable and could have serious implications for their welfare.

Reuters news agency reported on March 14 that Ms. Jones left Australia after the incident, switched her Instagram account to private mode, and refused to speak to the media.

It is not yet clear where the incident took place. Under Australian law, it is illegal to take or harm a native animal without a permit. So far, Ms Jones has not been charged, but the wave of criticism from the public and animal protection groups has not subsided.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ngoi-sao-mang-om-gau-tui-non-gay-phan-no-chinh-phu-uc-vao-cuoc-2025031413204465.htm