Influencer who grabbed baby wombat apologises for scandal

Saturday, 15 March 2025 07:04

The US influencer who briefly took a baby wombat from its mother in footage shared on Instagram has made a new statement on Instagram, apologising for her actions.

The US influencer who briefly took a baby wombat from its mother in footage shared on Instagram has made her first statement in the wake of the scandal, apologising for her actions.

Sam Jones flew out of Australia yesterday after the footage drew swift condemnation.

"I have learned from this situation and have realised that I did not handle this situation as best as I should have," Jones said in a statement posted to her Instagram page this morning.

Sam Jones with wombat joey (samstrays_somewhere)

Jones claimed that when she found the mother and joey, they were on the road, not moving.

Concerned, she said she made the "snap judgment" to pick up the baby wombat and see if this was the case.

"I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me."

"While I was unbelievably excited to see such an amazing animal, I looked it over quickly and immediately returned it to its mother.

"I ensured that the mother and joey did reunite, went off together, and that they got off the road."

Jones said she had reflected on the situation and "realised I did not handle this situation as best as I should have."

"I have learned from this situation, and am truly sorry for the distress I have caused."

She said the incident was never about getting likes, nor was it staged for entertainment.

Jones then went on to criticise the Australian government for its treatment of native animals, including wombats, kangaroos, and wild brumbies.

"The Australian government allows and permits the slaughter of wombats," she claimed.

Wombats are explicitly protected by law in all Australian states and territories.

The Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke has said that Jones is unlikely to be granted a visa if she tries to return to Australia.

It is still not known where or when Jones's wombat footage was filmed.

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