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A Queensland family has shared a previously unseen video of the unlikely friendship between their two dogs and a magpie as they continue to fight for Molly’s return.
The magpie, who Gold Coast couple Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen rescued in 2020, was seized by wildlife rangers in March.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: New video sparks outpouring of love for Molly the magpie.
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Molly came into their care when he — initially believed to be a she — fell from a nest and went on to form an unusual friendship with their two dogs that has attracted the attention of millions of social media users.
But several complaints to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) led to the family, who are not registered wildlife carers, having to surrender Molly.
They have since been campaigning for the safe return of their beloved magpie and sharing updates with their 810,000 Instagram followers.
A video shared on Monday showed Molly snuggling up to one of the dogs and nibbling on its paw.
“Some things just need to be felt from the heart,” the caption read.
“We will be reunited again.”
Fans shared their frustration over the situation, pointing out Molly had never been kept in a cage but had simply remained living in the family’s backyard once recovered.
“Molly should have been returned to his territory, area, favourite trees and people ages ago! He always had a choice to come and go, interact or not,” one commenter said.
“He looked pretty happy in his territory … He’s never be forced — he chose. Now ‘the Department’ has chosen to lock him in a cage! This is ridiculous — too long away from his tree and area, free as a bird should be!”
Others said the dogs, in particular Peggy who formed a strong bond with Molly, should be reunited with their feathered friend.
”These two should have never been separated! I hope the people who orchestrated this debacle are proud of themselves,” another commenter said.
“Molly and Peggy weren’t hurting anybody and they loved and enjoyed being together! Can’t we just leave people alone and let them live their lives?”
Another person said: “It’s all just a joke, how can they not see how gloriously happy that little bird is.”
Why was Molly seized?
Monday marked a fortnight since news broke that the magpie had been seized.
According to the environment department, Molly — who was “voluntarily surrendered” to wildlife officials — has “been highly habituated to human contact and is not capable of being released back into the wild”.
“It is alleged the bird was taken from the wild and kept unlawfully, with no permit, licence or authority being issued by DESI (Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation),” a department spokesperson said.
“All Queensland native animals are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. To keep a native animal that originates from the wild, a person must have a permit, licence or authority to lawfully have the animal in their possession.
“Animals that are sick, orphaned or injured must go to a person who holds a valid rehabilitation permit, which are issued to people who have demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience dealing with and caring for native animals.
“The purpose of rehabilitating native wildlife is to provide care so that the animal can be released back to the wild.
“When an animal is being rehabilitated, it must be done in a way that minimises humanisation and allows it to exhibit natural instincts and behaviour.
“Animals in rehabilitation must not associate with domestic animals due to the potential for them to be subjected to stress and the risks of behavioural imprinting and transmission of diseases. Animals from the wild must stay wild.”
On Friday, Juliette and Reece received an update following a conversation with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
“We spoke to the bosses of DESI today. The department is moving forward and trying to get the legal frameworks in place for a positive solution,” they said in an Instagram caption.
“We have a face-to-face meeting with the heads of the department to try to work out what is the best path forward in Molly’s best interest. We are confident with the right training, support and licences we can make this happen.”
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 about Molly’s well-being.
“Molly is doing very well. He is happy and he is healthy,” Wells said.
“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.”
– With AAP