OMG! US Influencer DEPORTED After SHOCKING Wombat Incident in Australia! 😱

The internet is ablaze with fury after a US influencer's actions involving a baby wombat in Australia resulted in a swift and decisive response from Australian authorities. Samantha Strable, also known as Sam Jones online, has become the center of a major international controversy following a video that went viral.

The video, posted to Strable's Instagram account (@samstrays_somewhere), depicts her snatching a baby wombat from its mother's side at night. Accompanied by an Australian man who laughs hysterically, Strable is seen holding the visibly terrified joey while its mother desperately chases after them. The influencer, who identifies herself as a "wildlife biologist and environmental scientist," then poses with the baby wombat, claiming it was a "dream" to hold the native marsupial.

The backlash was immediate and intense. Australians expressed outrage at Strable's actions, with many calling for her deportation and denouncing her behavior as both cruel and ignorant. A Change.org petition garnered over 30,000 signatures demanding that she be banned from the country.

High-profile Australian officials weighed in, condemning Strable's actions. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke threatened to review her visa, stating, “I don’t expect she will return.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added a scathing rebuke, challenging Strable to attempt the same with "an animal that can actually fight back," suggesting a crocodile as an alternative.

Strable's initial defense, claiming she only held the joey for a minute and that it was unharmed, was met with widespread skepticism. Wildlife experts pointed out the significant stress and potential physical harm inflicted on both the joey and its mother. Dr. Tania Bishop, a WIRES Wildlife Vet, highlighted the possibility of injuries such as fractured humerus or shoulder damage due to the joey's rough handling. Yolandi Vermaak, from a wombat rescue organization, voiced concern over the potential for mange mites, a serious concern for the joey's well-being.

Following the intense public pressure and threats of visa review, Strable has reportedly left Australia. While no charges have been formally filed, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about responsible wildlife interaction and the ethical responsibilities of social media influencers.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and the severe consequences of actions that prioritize personal gain over animal welfare. The incident has also shone a light on the power of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing government response.

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