Wildlife Controversy in Australia: Influencer Urged to "Leave the Baby Wombat Alone"
Government Intervention
Sydney: Australia’s top diplomat, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, has urged a visiting American influencer to "leave the baby wombat alone", following a video that appears to show the woman pestering a young marsupial. The video, which has been deleted from Instagram, sparked outrage among wildlife experts and animal lovers alike.
Influencer’s Actions Condemned
The video shows the influencer, identified as American outdoors personality Sam Jones, picking up the hissing wild animal and declaring to the camera, "I caught a baby wombat". She then places the wombat back on the side of the road, leaving it vulnerable to potential roadkill.
Government Reaction
The government has taken swift action to condemn the influencer’s actions. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong expressed her concern, stating, "It looked pretty dreadful, didn’t it? I think everyone who would have seen that would have thought, look, leave the baby wombat alone." Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke added, "I’m investigating if the woman has violated her visa. I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual, I don’t expect she will return."
Wildlife Experts Weigh In
The Australia Wombat Protection Society has also condemned the influencer’s actions, stating that she "mishandled a wombat joey in an apparent snatch for social media likes". The organization emphasized that the wombat was then placed back onto a country road, potentially putting it at risk of becoming roadkill.
About Australian Wombats
Australia’s rotund native wombats are among the world’s biggest burrowing species, according to the national museum. While some species are considered endangered, the common bare-nosed wombat is found along large swathes of southern and eastern Australia.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of responsible wildlife handling and the need for influencers to prioritize animal welfare over social media attention. The Australian government’s swift action sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the influencer’s action in the video?
- The influencer picked up a young wombat and placed it back on the side of the road.
- What was the reaction of the Australian government?
- The government condemned the influencer’s actions, with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong urging her to "leave the baby wombat alone" and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke investigating if she had violated her visa.
- What is the current status of the influencer’s visa?
- The influencer’s visa status is currently under investigation by the Australian government.
- What is the penalty for violating Australian wildlife laws?
- The penalty for violating Australian wildlife laws can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.