A magpie known for his unusual friendship with two dogs is “happy and healthy” after he was seized, but his family is continuing to fight for his return home.
Molly the magpie was rescued by Gold Coast couple Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen in 2020 after the bird fell from his nest.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Molly the Magpie video sparks outpouring of support.
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A surprising friendship blossomed between Molly and the couple’s Staffordshire bull terriers Peggy and Ruby, which Juliette Wells began documenting on social media, showing the trio cuddling, playing together and even the magpie barking like a pup.
But several complaints to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation over the animal friendship led to the family having to surrender Molly in March.
“It’s been really difficult,” Wells said on Tuesday.
The couple said they have been unable to obtain the right wildlife caring permit due to their social media presence, with more than 785,000 followers on Instagram.
It has been a stressful time for the pair and their dogs, who are unsure why their feathered friend is no longer flying through the home and playing with them.
“Whenever they hear birds in the backyard, they’ll run out to see if it is Molly,” Wells said.
“Peggy is clingy and depressed as well.”
The seizure of Molly sparked outrage on social media, with a petition calling for the bird to be returned to its Gold Coast home.
Premier Steven Miles even chimed in, saying Molly should be reunited with his family.
“I’m most interested in what is in the best interests of the animal and if the department can work with the family to reunite them in a way that is legal, I would support them,” he said on Thursday.
“I think sometimes common sense needs to prevail.”
A month after the seizure, the department gave an update to the couple on Tuesday about Molly’s wellbeing.
“Molly is doing very well. He is happy and he is healthy,” Wells said, adding they would receive another update this week regarding permits.
“We don’t definitely know we’re going to get him back but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
The department said it was working with the family for the best outcome for Molly.
“The department has contacted the couple to assure them that Molly is being well cared for and that options are being examined for the bird’s future care,” the spokesperson said.
“Our priority is the ongoing welfare of the magpie, and the bird is safe, undergoing rehabilitation and has full access to veterinary care.”
The family later posted an “exciting” update to Instagram.
“After contacting the office of the QLD Premier Steven Miles we received a long awaited phone call from someone who works closely with the Director General of the Department of Environment, Science & Innovation (DESI),” they wrote.
“To say we are relieved is an understatement.
“We weren’t given too much detail but we were assured that DESI are currently looking at options to proceed with what the Premier had suggested & the legalities of the situation is not an easy fix and its a process through legal frameworks.
“We will be contacted again by the end of the week with the process and updates.
“We asked how Molly was? We were told he was healthy, happy and in good spirits .
“We weren’t told of his location to protect his safety .
“Stay positive, keep focused on the best outcome and NEVER give up on this noisy little magpie.”
Fans were glad to hear Molly was doing well.
“Fingers crossed this is the beginning of the end & this little fella is back where he belongs. Positive thoughts to all of you,” one follower wrote.
“Sounds like some positive news. So happy Molly is ok, that’s the important thing. Now to get him home!” added another.
“I am so happy for you. We’re waiting for you Molly,” added a third.
– with AAP
