Sam Jones, the American hunting influencer who sparked outrage by grabbing a baby wombat from its mother in Australia, has issued a 900-word apology on Instagram. She left Australia on Friday amid a visa investigation by immigration authorities. Jones claimed she was 'extremely concerned' for the wombat's safety after finding it on a road and feared it might be sick or injured.
In her statement, Jones said she ran with the joey not to steal it but out of fear the mother might attack her. She insisted she quickly returned the baby to its mother and ensured they reunited safely. 'I have done a great deal of reflection on this situation and have realized that I did not handle this situation as best as I should have,' she wrote, adding that she was 'truly sorry for the distress' caused.
Jones questioned the outrage in Australia, noting that the government 'allows and permits the slaughter of wombats' with a permit. She also criticised the killing of kangaroos and brumbies. However, harming a wombat without a permit is an offence in Australia.
The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, said immigration authorities were checking if Jones breached her visa conditions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described her actions as 'an outrage' and sarcastically suggested she try taking a baby crocodile from its mother. RSPCA Australia condemned the 'blatant disregard' for native wildlife.
