In a statement on Instagram, Jones defended her actions, claiming she had been trying to prevent the wombat from being hit by a vehicle and had briefly examined it for injuries before returning it to its mother. She acknowledged she had acted impulsively and expressed regret for causing distress.
However, she also lashed out at the Australian government, highlighting its policies that allow farmers to kill wombats and other wild animals, said the ABC report.
Under Australia’s Environmental and Biosecurity Protection Act 1999, it is illegal to take or harm native animals without a legal reason. Wildlife experts clarified that handling a joey is only permissible if its mother is confirmed dead and the animal requires rescue, it said, adding authorities have not announced any legal action against Jones at this time.