An American influencer could see her Australian adventure cut short after she posted a video of herself taking a baby wombat from its mother. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that Australian immigration officials are scrutinizing the visa of Sam Jones, a self-proclaimed “wildlife biologist and environmental scientist,” after the Instagram reel, posted to her 92,000 followers, went viral. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke hinted at a possible ban: “I’ll be surprised if she even bothers [applying for a visa again].” The clip, now deleted, captures Jones yanking the joey from the roadside while a man films and mocks the distressed mother. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had his own suggestion: “They are gentle, lovely creatures... I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she should try some other Australian animals, maybe she should try a crocodile. Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there.” World Animal Protection demanded a thorough investigation, with Aussies seething over what they call content-driven cruelty. Veterinarian Tania Bishop slammed the stunt as “absolutely horrifying,” warning of potential injuries from Jones’ reckless grip and swing. As scrutiny mounts, Jones might soon learn that even influencers can’t escape the jaws of justice.
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