Instagram-famous magpie Molly the magpie has been pictured reunited with his Staffy friends and human carers after returning from a 45-day seizure by wildlife authorities.
Molly the magpie finally returned to his Gold Coast home on Monday and was reunited with his unlikely best friend, Peggy the Staffy.
“Molly is home,” the bird’s official Facebook page declared, with a picture of the entire group – humans and all.
“We are overwhelmed with emotion right now.”
“I have been visualising & looking forward to this day for what feels like a lifetime.
“It was a very exciting reunion at the (department) this morning for us with a little cry of happiness from Molly.
“When we arrived home the Peggy and Ruby wiggly bottoms were in full force and a few excited noises from Molly.”
Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) made the announcement on Monday, marking the end of a 45-day saga that gripped the nation.
“(DESI) has approved a specialised license and today returned ‘Molly’ the magpie to a couple who took it in as a nestling in 2020,” the department revealed in a statement.
Independent veterinary experts have determined that Molly is “highly habituated” and may suffer from developmental issues, rendering her unfit for rehabilitation or return to the wild.
This decision was made in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and came after extensive legal counsel, the department said.
The family fulfilled the license conditions, which included a commitment to not commercially using Molly or his image, wildlife carer training, and cooperating with DESI for his enrichment.
The statement emphasised that “these conditions are standard for all specialised licenses held by wildlife carers in Queensland and ensure the best outcome for the bird’s ongoing health and wellbeing.”
Additionally, DESI mandated that the family take on an advocacy and public education role to promote responsible care for native wildlife.
The nation has been captivated by Molly’s story since her surrender, as the magpie and her human family garnered over 800,000 followers on Instagram, showcasing Molly’s heartwarming friendship with the couple’s pet staffy, Peggy
The saga reached its climax on Thursday, April 11, when DESI announced Molly’s imminent return to her family, albeit with stringent conditions.
Molly, the Mortensens, and their staffers found friends in high places along the way, including Queensland Premier Stephen Miles, who advocated heavily for the bird’s return.
“This morning the Department has advised me that the couple can secure the appropriate licence. The team will work with them now to do that,” Mr Miles said Wednesday last week.
“It’s good news and means Molly can come home very soon.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has written to me to share their concerns and advocate for Molly’s return.”