SYDNEY – Australian authorities are reviewing the visa status of an American influencer after she shared a video of herself grabbing a baby wombat, triggering widespread outrage. On Thursday (March 13), Interior Minister Tony Burke confirmed that officials were investigating whether Sam Jones, who calls herself an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter," had violated immigration laws. Jones had posted a now-deleted video to her 92,000 Instagram followers, showing her picking up a struggling baby wombat while its distressed mother followed closely behind. The marsupial was seen hissing as she held it before she eventually placed it back on the road.

The footage, recorded at an unknown location in Australia, quickly drew backlash. Wombats are a protected species in the country, and disturbing them is frowned upon. Burke expressed strong disapproval, stating that even if Jones were not found in violation of immigration laws, her future in Australia was unlikely.

"Given the level of scrutiny she'll face if she ever applies for a visa again, I’d be surprised if she even tries," he said. "I can't wait for Australia to see the back of this individual. I don’t expect she’ll return." Jones has not responded to media inquiries, and her Instagram account has since been set to private. It is unclear whether she is still in Australia.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong also condemned the video, calling it disturbing. "It looked pretty dreadful, didn’t it?" Wong said in an interview with Channel Seven on Thursday. "Really, just leave the wombat alone." The incident has reignited discussions on the treatment of Australian wildlife, with many calling for stricter penalties against those who disturb or mishandle native animals.

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