Molly the Magpie finally returns home – after the bird was suddenly taken by wildlife authorities
Molly the Magpie has been returned home after he was removed by wildlife authorities.
Molly the Magpie gained an online following of almost one million people enamoured by his friendship with the two Staffordshire Terriers Peggy and Ruby at the Gold Coast home of Juliette Wells and Reese Mortenson.
Officials from Queensland’s Environment Department removed the male magpie from the couple’s home on March 1, saying the wild bird was being kept unlawfully.
But now the bird is finally home after spending 45 days separated from the family.
‘The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has approved a specialised licence and today returned ‘Molly’ the magpie to a couple who took it in as a nestling in 2020,’ a statement said.
‘Independent expert veterinary advice has shown that Molly, who was surrendered to the department on 1 March, is highly habituated and may have developmental issues, meaning it can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild.
Molly the Magpie, who became famous for his relationship with Staffies Ruby and Peggy, was removed from the home of Juliette Wells and Reese Mortenson on March 1
‘The decision to return Molly has been made in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992, following extensive legal advice.’
DESI added Juliette and Reese agreed to conditions including undertaking wildlife carer training, ongoing engagement with DESI to ensure Molly has adequate care and enrichment and ceasing any ongoing commercial gain from Molly or his image.
‘These conditions are standard for all specialised licences held by wildlife carers in Queensland and ensure the best outcome for the bird’s ongoing health and wellbeing,’ they said.
‘DESI has also required the family undertake an advocacy and public education role be performed to encourage people to appropriately care for native wildlife and acknowledging the specialist skills required to care for and rehabilitate wildlife.’
It comes as the removal of Molly caused a social media storm, with online followers pleading for the bird’s safe return.
Premier Steven Miles even joined the chorus, despite the couple accusing him of ignoring their calls and emails.
Wildlife authorities seized the Instagram-famous bird (pictured centre) over allegations the magpie was being kept unlawfully at their Gold Coast property
On Wednesday morning he announced that Molly would be reunited with his canine friends ‘very soon’.
‘This morning the department has advised me that the couple can secure the appropriate licence. The team will work with them to do that now,’ Mr Miles said.
‘It’s good news and means Molly can come home very soon.’
The premier thanked those who had advocated for Molly’s return and said the magpie was in great spirits and receiving good care.
Juliete and Reese rescued Molly as a chick after he fell from his nest in 2020.
Molly was originally thought to be a female by Ms Wells, but is actually a male and the name stuck.
Videos of Molly playing with the couple’s two Staffies soon gained traction online and grew a loyal fanbase.
On Monday, Molly returned him to his family after Juliette Wells and Reese Mortenson agreed to conditions placed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
Queensland legislation bans native wild animals from being domesticated and kept as pets.
Animals that are sick, orphaned or injured can only be rescued and cared for by those who hold a rehabilitation permit and intend to release them back into the wild.
The couple have previously explained Molly is not kept in the same way as a pet owner might look after a caged budgerigar or parrot, as he is free to fly away and forage for food and make his own return.
Ms Wells was first asked to surrender Molly six months ago when authorities visited her home but she was unable to capture the bird as it was in a tree.
