Sam Jones, who faced extensive backlash—including from the Australian government—after sharing a video of herself separating a joey from its mother, asserts, “Over holding a wombat, thousands threaten my life.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An American influencer who sparked outrage after posting a video of her snatching a baby wombat from its mother while in Australia apologized on Saturday, saying she had acted out of concern for the young animal’s welfare.

The self-described wildlife biologist filmed herself taking the distressed animal from its mother. She has since left Australia amid calls for her deportation.