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Albo hits out at US influencer who snatched a baby wombat

The Prime Minister has offered some very strong words for an American woman who was filmed snatching a wild baby wombat away from its mum.

Sam Jones could now lose her Australian visa, after the video went viral. 

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“I suggested 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. Take a another animal that can actually fight back. Rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother,” Albanese said.

The footage shows the mother wombat in distress as the self-proclaimed wildlife biologist & environmental scientist picks up her baby and runs with it laughing to a man filming. 

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In a statement, the Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said he “can’t wait to see the back of this individual”, confirming her visa is being investigated. 

It’s not clear if the joey and the mum were reunited, or where in Australia the video was filmed.

Jones has since gone private on socials and deleted her TikTok. Jones reportedly defended her actions, saying she did not harm the joey and only held it very briefly, according to news.com.au.

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