MELBOURNE, Australia -- An American influencer's controversial actions have led to her departure from Australia after government officials announced a visa review triggered by a shocking video that went viral. Sam Jones, who refers to herself as an "outdoor enthusiast & hunter," faced immense backlash for the footage showing her snatching a baby wombat from its mother.

On Friday, as Jones boarded a flight out of the country, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke expressed relief, stating, "There’s never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia." The influencer took her Instagram account private a day earlier in response to the overwhelming criticism she received online.

In the viral video, Jones, who hails from Montana, could be seen lifting the wombat joey by its front legs in a dimly lit area near a roadside before she ran away with it, leaving the mother wombat in distress. As her male companion filmed the incident, Jones triumphantly exclaimed, “I caught a baby wombat!” However, she returned the joey to the roadside after mere seconds, raising ethical questions about her actions.

Minister Burke confirmed that officials were examining whether Jones had violated immigration laws, stating, “I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual; I don’t expect she will return.” This sentiment resonated with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who condemned the act as an outrageous demonstration of insensitivity toward wildlife. He added, "I suggest to 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."

Jones, also known by the name Samantha Strable, has since shuttered her social media accounts and has not made any comments regarding the incident. The baby wombat in question is a common wombat, a protected species that is native to Australia and faces various threats due to habitat loss and wildlife trafficking.

Yolandi Vermaak, founder of the animal care charity Wombat Rescue, expressed grave concerns regarding the well-being of the young wombat. She emphasized that removing the joey from its mother could jeopardize its survival, as there was no evidence of the two reuniting after the incident. Vermaak noted, "My biggest concern is that we didn’t actually see mom and baby getting reunited. When she put it down, it looked disoriented."

Vermaak also revealed that the joey appeared to be suffering from a skin disease known as mange, which could be fatal if left untreated. She called for immediate action, urging anyone with information about the baby's whereabouts to assist in locating both the joey and its mother for proper care.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife cruelty and the need for stricter regulations surrounding animal treatment and tourism in Australia, reminding us that compassion for native wildlife is essential for their protection and survival.