A world-famous magpie has been handed over to authorities after shocking allegations it was being “illegally held”.
Molly became a global phenomenon after Juliette Wells, a blogger from Coomera in Queensland, began creating content highlighting the unlikely “cross-species friendship” between an Australian magpie and a pair of employees, Peggy and Ruby.
The trio rose to stardom, attracting two million followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and the blogger even published a book full of photographs of the “unlikely companions.”
Fans have gushed about the “very special” relationship between Molly, Peggy and Ruby, but registered wildlife rescuers soon began to wonder why Ms Wells was allowing a native bird to interact with domestic dogs on camera.
Molly became a global phenomenon after Juliette Wells, a blogger from Coomera in Queensland, began creating content highlighting the unlikely “cross-species friendship” between an Australian magpie and a pair of employees, Peggy and Ruby.
In Queensland, authorities do not allow such interactions because they can hinder the bird’s ability to be successfully released into the wild.
In a statement previously provided to Yahoo News AustraliaWells denied that the bird was “kept” in captivity.
“We didn’t ‘take care’ of him like people keep cockatoos or parrots in cages. Once he was well enough, we taught him to forage in the garden, we taught him to fly and be independent,” he said through a publicist. .
Daily Mail Australia contacted Ms Wells for further comment but did not receive a response.
The trio rose to stardom, attracting two million followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and the blogger even published a book full of photos of the “unlikely companions.”
Queensland’s Department of Science, Environment and Innovation (DESI) confirmed that a magpie was “voluntarily surrendered” on March 1.
“It is alleged that the bird was taken from the wild and kept illegally, without DESI issuing any permit, license or authority,” a spokesperson for the department told Daily Mail Australia.
“All native animals in Queensland are protected by the Nature Conservation Act 1992. To conserve a native animal that originates in the wild, a person must have a permit, license or authority to legally have the animal in their possession. “.
In Queensland, sick, orphaned or injured animals can only be rescued and cared for by those who have a rehabilitation permit and intend to release them back into the wild.
Queensland’s Department of Science, Environment and Innovation (DESI) confirmed that a magpie was “voluntarily surrendered” on March 1.
“Animals in rehabilitation should not be associated with domestic animals due to the potential for them to be subject to stress and the risks of behavioral imprinting and disease transmission,” the spokesperson added.
“Wild animals must stay wild.”
Wells brought Molly home in 2020, suspecting that her parents had abandoned her.
She believes the magpie “seemed very weak and not at all well” but made a full recovery.
Wells was first asked to hand over the bird six months ago when authorities visited his home, but he was unable to capture it because it was in a tree.
Wells brought Molly home in 2020, suspecting that her parents had abandoned her.
She continued to share videos of Molly and her dogs on social media, even though Molly had already given up, and recently posted the couple lounging on a dog bed.
DESI is currently focused on finding a home for Molly, who is now unable to fly like a normal magpie would.
“Unfortunately, he is very habituated to human contact and is not capable of being returned to the wild,” the spokesperson said.
“A process is currently underway to place the magpie in a suitable facility.”
Investigations are ongoing.