Influencer Sam Jones leaves Australia amid wombat controversy

Sam Jones, an American influencer from Montana, faced significant backlash after posting a video of herself picking up a baby wombat from the roadside in Australia. The incident, which showed the distressed animal being taken from its mother, drew condemnation from Australian officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described her actions as 'an outrage.' Following the outcry and threats regarding her visa, Jones left Australia voluntarily. In a subsequent apology, she claimed her intentions were to protect the animal from potential harm, though she acknowledged her actions were not appropriate. The video sparked a petition that garnered over 30,000 signatures calling for her deportation, highlighting widespread concerns about wildlife welfare. Jones has since made her social media accounts private after the incident went viral.