Sam Jones, a US-based influencer, has sparked outrage after allegedly taking a baby wombat from its mother in Australia. This incident has raised legal concerns among wildlife advocates, leading to a petition calling for Jones’ deportation from the country. At present, her Instagram account (@samstrays_somewhere) is set to private.
The Incident Captured on Video
According to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald on March 13, the controversial video, which has since been removed, showcased Jones allegedly separating a bare-nosed wombat from its mother. In the brief, 33-second clip, Jones can be seen picking the animal up from the roadside at night and hurriedly heading toward her vehicle. An unidentified male voice, presumably recording the event, remarked:
“Just caught a baby wombat. Look at the mother… it’s chasing after her [Jones].”
As the baby wombat hissed in distress, Jones acknowledged the situation, commenting:
“Okay, mamma’s right there, and she is pissed. Let’s let them go.”
Eventually, the video shows the baby wombat returning to its mother.
Expert Opinions on the Legality of the Action
Dr. Tania Bishop, a wildlife veterinarian, offered insights to the Sydney Morning Herald regarding the incident. She emphasized that all wildlife in Australia is under legal protection due to biosecurity laws. Determining whether Jones’ behavior was lawful depends on the circumstances under which she approached the animal, Bishop explained.
She further noted that if Jones indeed interfered with native wildlife without reasonable justification—such as a belief that the animal was injured—her actions could be deemed illegal.
Jones’ Background and Social Media Influence
In her Instagram profile, Jones presents herself as an “outdoor enthusiast & hunter,”alongside titles such as “Wildlife Biologist & Environmental Scientist.” She has gathered a following exceeding 90,000 users on Instagram. Her now-private account showcases her interactions with various wildlife, including capturing sharks and posing with echidnas, as well as featuring images with deceased deer and wild pigs.
Online Petition for Deportation
Jones is not new to journalism; she has previously contributed to the Great Falls Tribune and collaborated with the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks agency. On March 12, a petition titled “Ban sammystrays_somewhere from Australia for taking a baby wombat from its mother” surfaced on Change.org. This petition, aimed at key figures such as the Prime Minister of Australia and the Department of Home Affairs, stated:
“Samstrays_somewhere should be deported from the country immediately and banned from ever returning for this action. The Australian man she is with should also receive serious penalties for facilitating this behaviour. Messing with Australia’s beloved wildlife is not a joke.”
Additionally, the petition cited confirmation from Australia’s WIRES wildlife rescue organization, asserting that Jones’ actions were indeed unlawful. As of now, this petition has garnered over 21,800 signatures.
Government Response and Legal Ramifications
Amid the unfolding situation, Immigration Minister Tony Burke has revealed to the Sydney Morning Herald that Jones’ visa is currently under scrutiny. The department is investigating whether she has violated any laws, with Burke expressing his sentiments about the matter:
“I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual; I don’t expect she will return.”
In her defense, Jones spoke to Newsweek on March 12, asserting:
“Of course the wombat went back with its mother as you can see from both the video and its caption. It was briefly picked up and then immediately released; no harm was done, and we ensured they got off the road safely.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Australia warns that penalties for breaching animal welfare laws can lead to severe repercussions, including fines ranging from $22,000 to $236,500—or even imprisonment for up to five years in New South Wales.