Molly the magpie reunited with Gold Coast couple and staffy pals after being voluntarily surrendered to DESI
Molly the magpie has finally been reunited with its cares and Staffordshire terrier pals — Peggy and Ruby — after he was voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
After 45 heartbreaking days, Gold Coast couple Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen took to their Instagram page @peggyandmolly to share they had “THE BEST NEWS”.
“MOLLY IS HOME !!!!,” they shared.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We are overwhelmed with emotion right now. I have been visualising & looking forward to this day for what feels like a lifetime.”
The fate of Molly — first thought to be a she but now found to be a he — gripped the nation after Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen were forced to surrender him to Queensland authorities in March following complaints over the lack of a permit.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has now approved a specialised licence and returned the bird to its loving home after the couple agreed to several conditions.
The department said in a statement the decision to return Molly had been made in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992 “following extensive legal advice”.
The couple can no longer receive commercial gain from the bird or her image and will need to do wildlife carer training. They will also need to advocate for public education of native wildlife and work with the department to ensure Molly receives adequate care.
“Independent expert veterinary advice has shown Molly is highly habituated and may have developmental issues, meaning it can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild,” the department said.
The couple rescued the bird when he fell from a nest in 2020 before he formed a happy and wholesome relationship with dogs Peggy and Ruby.
Molly found fame and acclaim after Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen created their Instagram page, posting regular photos of his exploits with their dogs Peggy and Ruby. The page now boasts 822,000 followers.
Wells and Mortensen said they were so grateful to their supporters, Queensland Premier Steven Miles and the DESI for allowing them to get their licence and to be reunited with Molly again.
The couple added it was “a very exciting reunion” at the department this morning, “with a little cry of happiness from Molly”.
“When we arrived home the Peggy & Ruby wiggly bottoms were in full force and a few excited noises from Molly,” they shared.
“We look forward to life settling back down to normal very soon.”
