Molly the Magpie: Major development in bird-fluencer saga as hopes the ... trends now
A world-famous magpie is one step closer to being reunited with her human carers and canine pals after an intervention by the Queensland Premier.
Molly the magpie became a global phenomenon when wildlife enthusiast Juliette Wells and her partner Reese Mortenson documented the unlikely 'interspecies friendship' between the bird and their pair of Staffordshire terriers, Peggy and Ruby.
Videos of the unusual trio of animals and their cute antics racked up over two million followers across Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
But Ms Wells and Mr Mortenson, who live in Coomera on the Gold Coast, were left heartbroken on 1 March when authorities seized Molly over allegations the bird was being 'kept unlawfully'.
Molly the magpie became a global phenomenon when wildlife enthusiast Juliette Wells and her partner Reese Mortenson documented the unlikely 'interspecies friendship' between the bird and their pair of Staffordshire terriers, Peggy and Ruby (pictured together)
But Ms Wells and Mr Mortenson, who live in Coomera on the northern Gold Coast , were left heartbroken on 1 March when authorities seized Molly over allegations the bird was being 'kept unlawfully'
Officials from Queensland's Department of Science, Environment and Innovation (DESI) had concerns the couple had no permit to keep the bird which they claimed belongs in the wild.
Now, Queensland Premier Steven Miles has waded into the row amid a public outcry and given his backing to an emotional trans-species reunion.
'The environment department stands ready to train Molly's parents to be wildlife carers, to get that certification, so Molly can be reunited with the family,' Premier Miles said on Thursday.
Mr Miles said he wanted authorities to help the family get a permit and rejected suggestions that the decision would set a bad precedent.
'What I'm most interested in here is what's in the best interests of that animal, and if the department can work with the family to reunite them in a way that is legal, I would support that,' he added.
'I think sometimes common sense needs to prevail and in this instance ensuring that they can legally take care of Molly is the best outcome for Molly.
'I think if you look at the story there is a better outcome possible. I don't want to see any of the rules broken, but there has to be a way within the rules to see Molly live out a happy life with her family.'
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