Although the magpie that made headlines for its unusual bond with two dogs was reportedly happy and healthy after it was seized, its family is still fighting to get it back.
In 2020, a couple from Gold Coast named Reece Mortensen and Juliette Wells rescued Molly, who had fallen from her nest.
The bird started to develop a surprising friendship with the couple’s two Staffordshire bull terriers, named Ruby and Peggy.
In social media posts, Wells captured the trio playing together and even barking at one another.
The family was forced to surrender the bird in March after several complaints about its unusual bond with the two dogs.
According to Wells, it had been a difficult time due to their high social media following.
The couple was not able to secure the proper wildlife caring permit because of their Instagram following.
The couple and their pets were reportedly struggling with the loss of Molly, as the bird would no longer fly through the house and play with them.
According to Wells, Peggy was also depressed and clingy. The bird’s seizure caused an uproar on social media, with many people signing a petition to bring it back.
Steven Miles, the Premier of Queensland, stated that he would support the family’s efforts to get the bird back.
He said that he was interested in the best interests of the bird and that the government should work with the family to resolve the issue in a legal manner.
A month following the incident, the department released an update to the couple about the bird’s well-being.
According to Wells, Molly is doing well and is healthy. She noted that they do not know when the bird will be returned, but there is a ray of hope.
The department, on the other hand, stated that it was working with the bird’s family to ensure that it is returned to its rightful owners.
A spokesperson for the department noted that it had been in touch with the family to let them know that Molly was receiving the best possible care.
It also said that it was considering various options for the bird’s future care. The family later posted an update on Instagram, stating that the bird was doing well and was receiving full veterinary care.
After reaching out to the Premier’s office and the DESI, the family was finally able to receive a call from a person who is closely associated with the agency. It was an overwhelming feeling of relief.