An American influencer, who outraged Australia after footage showed her running away from a wombat with its baby, has been called out by the nation's leader.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has slammed Montana-based content creator Sam Jones for uploading the video onto the internet, which has since been deleted.
In the recording, Jones - who describes herself as an 'outdoor enthusiast and hunter' - can be seen grinning as she held the visibly agitated animal up to the camera, before saying: "I caught a baby wombat!"
The influencer was seemingly aware that this wasn’t going to plan as the wombat could be heard making hissing noises. People who know their animals remarked that this was a clear sign it was distressed.
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Addressing the video, Albanese told reporters: "To take a baby wombat from its mother, and clearly causing distress from the mother, is just an outrage.
"And, you know, I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she might try some other Australian animals.
"Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there."
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He added: "Take another animal that can actually fight back rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother - see how you go there."
In an interview with Channel Seven, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: "It looked pretty dreadful, didn't it?
"Really, leave the wombat alone."
Jones later issued a statement on the back of the media frenzy that she caused.
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"When we found the mother and joey on a road, not moving, I was extremely concerned. As wombats are so often hit on Australian roads, I stopped to ensure they got off the road safely and didn't get hit," it read.
"However, as is seen from the video, when I walked up to them, the joey did not move or run off. I was concerned it may have been sick or injured, and made a snap judgement to pick up the joey 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. The snap judgement I made in these moments was never from a place of harm or stealing a joey."
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The influencer's statement continued: "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.
"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. Regardless, my only intent was to prevent these amazing animals from being hit, and making sure the joey wasn't in need of immediate care.
"I have learned from this situation, and am truly sorry for the distress I have caused. I want to make it absolutely clear that this was never about social media or getting likes. This was not staged, nor was it done for entertainment. In my excitement and concern, I acted too quickly and then failed to provide necessary context to viewers online."
It has been reported that Jones has since left Australia.
Topics: Animal Cruelty, Animals, Australia
Joe Yates