Molly the magpie, who soared to internet stardom for striking an unlikely bond with a Staffordshire bull terrier named Peggy, is “happy and healthy” weeks after his dramatic seizure from an Australian family, according to an update provided by wildlife rangers.
The feathered celebrity was taken away by Queensland's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) last month, leading to his separation from his beloved pet parents, Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, and their canine companions, Peggy and Ruby.
Molly's tale began in 2020 when he fell from his nest and was rescued by Juliette and Reece. The couple nursed Molly back to health and had the pleasure of watching him form an unbreakable bond with their canine, Peggy.
Molly the magpie formed an unlikely friendship with two tail-wagging companions, Peggy and Ruby
Image credits: Peggyandmolly
The magpie quickly became an integral part of the family, and his sweet friendship with Peggy captured hearts worldwide, amassing more than 2 million followers on social media.
However, Molly’s story took a nosedive after DESI officials seized the bird because it is illegal in Queensland to keep native wildlife without a permit.
After Juliette and Reece were forced to give up the beloved bird on March 1, the Internet went abuzz with a petition demanding Molly be returned to the family.
Molly was taken in by couple Juliette and Reece after he fell from his nest in 2020
Weeks after the seizure, Juliette and Reece said they finally received an update about Molly’s well-being.
“Molly is doing very well. He is happy and he is healthy,” Juliette said.
“We don’t definitely know we’re going to get him back but there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” she added.
Molly became an internet sensation after pictures and videos of him with his best friend, Peggy, were shared on social media
Juliette said they are keeping in touch with officials and are waiting to receive updates about their permit.
The couple spoke about how Molly’s absence in the house is taking a heavy toll on them, especially on Ruby and Peggy, who dearly miss their feathered buddy.
“Whenever they hear birds in the backyard, they’ll run out to see if it is Molly,” Juliette was quoted saying.
The couple has been in touch with officials to have Molly reunited with Peggy and Ruby soon
“Peggy is clingy and depressed as well,” she added.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles has been involved in the case ever since Molly was seized. He released a statement on Thursday about how they are looking for a way to reunite the bird with his family.
“I’m most interested in what is in the best interests of the animal and if the department can work with the family to reunite them in a way that is legal, I would support them,” he said.
Peggy has been "clingy and depressed" since her best friend, Molly, was taken away, Juliette said
Image credits: Peggyandmolly
"I think sometimes common sense needs to prevail," he added.
A spokesperson for DESI said they are examining all the options for the bird’s future and said, “Our priority is the ongoing welfare of the magpie, and the bird is safe, undergoing rehabilitation and has full access to veterinary care.”