Baby wombat and influencer video highlights disturbing social media trend
News
The recent video showing an influencer snatching a screaming baby wombat from their mother shines a light on the disturbing trend of close encounters with wildlife for the sake of content.
Image credit: @NOMADasaurus
World Animal Protection has spoken out against the video featuring US influencer Sam Jones stealing a screaming baby wombat, emphasising that such actions are unacceptable and can cause significant distress to the animals involved.
Wombats, like all wild animals, should be admired from a distance and not used as photo props or playthings.
Watch our Head of Campaigns, Suzanne Milthorpe, speaking out on 10 News about the shocking cruelty in the video:
Australia is home to a diverse range of unique and precious wildlife, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve these animals.
Aussies are quite rightly outraged by this video. This is cruelty for the sake of content and most people don't find that acceptable.
Wombats are not a photo prop or plaything - they should be treated with respect. Our iconic Australian animals, like all wildlife, are best loved from a distance.
Many people envy their friends who post selfies and videos of themselves hugging or holding wild animals on their holiday. Sadly, this encourages more people to do the same and continues the ongoing suffering of wildlife. Don’t be part of this ugly picture.
It’s not just animals in the wild suffering for content’s sake, but animals in captivity too. Thousands of animals are being torn from the wild or bred in captivity just so tourists can take selfies with them to share on social media.
Interactions with wildlife should be conducted in a manner that prioritises their well-being and respects their natural habitats.
Together, we can stop these cruel close encounters and protect wildlife from harm.
The Hidden Cost of an Animal Selfie
Thousands of animals are being torn from the wild or bred in captivity just so tourists can take selfies with them to share on social media.