The touching story of Molly, an Australian magpie from Queensland, has swept through Australian social media. Molly was adopted by an Australian couple from Queensland in 2020 after she fell from a nest. Since then, the wild magpie has lived with the couple, forming an extraordinary bond with their bull terrier, Peggy. Peggy and Molly became an Instagram sensation, with over two million followers watching them play and imitate each other on social media every day.
Peggy and Molly drew the attention of state officials, who claimed that magpies are wild birds that should not be domesticated
However, the paradise of Peggy and Molly drew the attention of state officials, who claimed that magpies are wild birds that should not be kept as pets at any cost.
Molly’s human parents, Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, said on Wednesday that they had “surrendered” their magpie to Queensland’s environmental department earlier this week. The two appeared upset in the video and stated that they had to take this action because some people were always complaining about the animal being in their care.
The couple described themselves as “grieving” and “devastated” after losing the magpie, which they handed over to authorities on March 1.
Australian magpies are a protected natural species that are important to the country’s ecology
The incident sparked a controversy over animals’ ability to live where they wish vs what animal authorities think is appropriate for them. Queensland Premier Steven Miles also showed his support for the Peggy and Molly combo, saying that the magpie should be reunited with the family, contradicting the state’s decision.
“I think sometimes common sense needs to prevail… and if you look at the story, there is a better outcome possible,” Miles said on Thursday.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Wells and Mortensen stated that the state department first showed up on their doorstep in June.
“We did everything in our power to work with the department, including training and also me obtaining my wildlife permit, which, after a period of time, I had to retract my application, as it was a bit of a conflict to our page,” Mortensen stated.
Australian magpies are a protected natural species that are important to the country’s ecology. They are typically aggressive in nature and can survive for up to 30 years in the wild.
The couple created an internet petition to reunite the “bonded animals”
The couple created an internet petition to reunite the “bonded animals” that has now been signed by over 70,000 followers.
The state’s Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation (DESI) acknowledged people’s interest in Molly, but cautioned that magpies were not domestic animals and should only be held temporarily for the sake of rehabilitation.
“The magpie is currently under the care of DESI. Unfortunately, it has been highly habituated to human contact and is not capable of being released back into the wild,” according to a spokeswoman.
Wells and Mortensen stated that they would continue their efforts to bring Molly back.