The Home Minister says he can’t wait to “see” the behind-the-scenes content creators who posted the video with Marsupial.
Australia is reviewing the visa status of American content creators who have posted videos of themselves taking baby wombats from their mothers.
In the now-deleted video, Sam Jones picks up a marsupial and runs across the road as his mother follows from behind.
“I caught a baby wombat,” Jones, who describes herself as an “outdoor enthusiast” and “hunter” on social media, says in the video.
“Okay, mommy is right there and she’s mad. Let’s let him go,” Jones says. Then say before returning the animal to the other side of the road.
It is not clear when or where the video was filmed.
On Thursday, Home Minister Tony Burke said his department is reviewing the case to determine whether Jones violated her terms of stay.
“We can’t wait for Australia to see this individual’s back. We don’t think she’ll be back,” Burke said in a statement.
Al Jazeera was unable to contact Jones, who set her Instagram account private after the controversy, due to comments.
The video urged a quick backlash in Australia, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong among those taking part in the denunciation.
“They are not kangaroos. They don’t run fast. They are kind and lovely creatures,” Albanese told reporters.
“Take the baby wombat from the mother and bringing pain from the mother clearly is just anger.
“I suggest this so-called influencer. Maybe she’ll try other Australian animals. Take the baby crocodile from her mother and see how you get there.”
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