Australia is considering cancelling the visa of US blogger Sam Jones for filming during which she snatched a baby wombat from its mother.
“Anyone concerned about the situation should note that the cub was gently held for a total of one minute and then released back to its mum,” the blogger wrote.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called Jones’ actions “pretty appalling.”
The Department of Home Affairs is reviewing the blogger’s visa case to determine the offence committed under immigration law.
In the video taken, Jones can be seen running down the road towards the vehicle from which she is filmed, holding a baby cub in her arms.
“Okay, the mum’s right there and she’s p***ed,” Jones said in the video as the animal’s mother approached her. The blogger then left the cub on the side of the road.
The video was posted on Jones’ Instragam page. Later, her account was deleted because of the scandal with the baby wombat.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Jones had outrageously separated the wombat from its mother. He said at a press conference when asked about the incident:
“Maybe she’ll try to pull this sort of thing with other Australian animals. Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see what happens. Take another animal that can actually fight back, rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother. See how you go about it.”
Dr. Dee Evans, a senior scientist with the RSPCA Australia, said the video showed a “blatant disregard” for local wildlife. She commented:
“The distress caused by this callous act is evident, with the wombat screaming for its mother and the mother extremely disturbed. The removal of cubs from their mother is extremely unpleasant and any separation is harmful. The video shows this strong maternal bond.”
