Molly the magpie has returned home to her family, and her long-awaited reunion with Peggy the dog has been shared by the family.
As previously reported, the story of Molly's journey has been the talk of Australia since her surrender to the state government on March 1.
Her adoptive family, Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen from the Gold Coast boast an impressive following of over 800,000 on Instagram.
Molly's charming friendship with Peggy, a staffy dog owned by the couple, has particularly endeared them to the public. Their unlikely companionship began in 2020 when Molly was rescued as a nestling, and she quickly formed a special bond with the family pet.
After concerns for Molly's well-being were raised, the family was forced to surrender her to the state government. However, the Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation revealed that the magpie could return to her family if they adhere to strict rules.
A spokesperson for the department outlined the stipulations: "Molly’s return hinges on the family applying for a license and agreeing with a range of conditions that will ensure the best outcome for the animal’s ongoing health and wellbeing."
These conditions include refraining from commercializing Molly or her image, undergoing wildlife carer training, and actively promoting public education on wildlife care.
The family must also maintain regular contact with the department to ensure Molly's continued welfare.
After 45 days, Molly has now been reunited with her family and dog best friend.
The Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) made the long-awaited announcement on Monday, marking the end of a journey filled with anticipation and legal hurdles.
"(DESI) has approved a specialized 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, per News.com.au.
Independent veterinary experts have deemed Molly "highly habituated" and potentially suffering from developmental issues, making her unfit for rehabilitation or release into the wild.
This decision was made in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992, following extensive legal consultation.
DESI emphasized that the family, Wells, and Mortensen, demonstrated their commitment to Molly’s welfare by fulfilling the conditions outlined in the license.
"These conditions are standard for all specialized licenses held by wildlife carers in Queensland and ensure the best outcome for the bird’s ongoing health and wellbeing," DESI stated.
Throughout the ordeal, Molly, the Mortensens, and their staffies found allies in high places, including Queensland Premier Stephen Miles, who advocated heavily for Molly’s return.
"This morning the Department has advised me that the couple can secure the appropriate license. The team will work with them now to do that," Miles said last Wednesday.
"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."
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