Molly the Magpie has returned home after being removed by wildlife authorities.
Molly the Magpie gained an online following of almost a million people enamored by her friendship with two Staffordshire Terriers Peggy and Ruby at Juliette Wells and Reese Mortenson’s home on the Gold Coast.
Queensland Environment Department officials removed the male magpie from the Mortensons’ home on March 1, saying the wild bird was being held illegally.
But now the bird is finally home after spending 45 days separated from the family.
“The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) approved a specialist license and today returned ‘Molly’ the magpie to a couple who took her in as a chick in 2020,” a statement read.
‘Independent expert veterinary advice has shown that Molly, who was handed over to the department on March 1, is highly habituated and may have developmental problems, meaning she can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild.
“The decision to return Molly was made in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992, following extensive legal advice.”
DESI added that the conditions agreed to by the couple included:
*There are no ongoing commercial profits from the bird or its image.
* Carrying out training for wildlife caretakers.
*Ongoing commitment to DESI to ensure the bird receives proper care and enrichment.
“These conditions are standard for all specialist licenses held by wildlife keepers in Queensland and ensure the best outcome for the continued health and welfare of the birds,” they said.
‘DESI has also required the family to take on an advocacy and public education role to encourage people to properly care for native wildlife and recognize the specialized skills needed to care for and rehabilitate wildlife.’
Molly the Magpie, who became famous for her relationship with Staffies Ruby and Peggy, was removed from Juliette Wells and Reese Mortenson’s home on March 1.
Wildlife authorities seized the Instagram-famous bird (pictured centre) over allegations the magpie was being held illegally on its Gold Coast property.
