(NewsNation) — Australian immigration officials could bar an American influencer from ever returning Down Under for carrying a baby wombat away from its mother while recording a video for social media.
The visa of Sam Jones, a self-described “wildlife biologist and environmental scientist,” is under review after a now-deleted social media post showed Jones snatching the joey and running away before being followed by its mother.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement that an investigation into whether Jones had violated her visa was ongoing.
“Either way, given the level of scrutiny that will happen if she ever applies for a visa again, I’ll be surprised if she even bothers,” Burke said, as reported by the Australian Broadcast Corporation.
“I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual. I don’t expect she will return,” he added.
The post has captured the attention of much of Australia, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“To take a baby wombat from its mother, and clearly causing distress from the mother, is just an outrage,” Albanese said.
The prime minister had a unique suggestion for Jones.
“I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she might try some other Australian animals,” he said. “Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there. Take another animal that can actually fight back rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother.”
According to The Associated Press, Jones left Australia on Friday.
“There’s never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia,” Burke said in a later statement.