Peggy and Molly: Premier Steven Miles reveals the fate of insta-famous magpie taken in by Gold Coast family
Insta-famous Molly the magpie will be returned to the Gold Coast family which has cared for him - if they agree to a major condition being set by the state authority which is not negotiable.
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Insta-famous Molly the magpie will be returned to the Gold Coast family which has cared for her - but they can’t make any more money off him.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) says the magpie, who is one half of bird and canine duo Peggy and Molly, can return to live with carers Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen ... with a catch.
The department says the family must agree to a series of conditions including:
* No ongoing commercial gain from the bird or its image.
* Undertaking wildlife carer training.
* Advocating public education to encourage people to appropriately care for native wildlife and acknowledging the specialist skills required to care for and rehabilitate wildlife.
* Ongoing engagement with DESI to ensure the bird is receiving adequate care and enrichment.
It is unclear what impact the commercial gain clause would have for the bird’s social media profile, which has also generated a published book.
The department, in a statement, said Molly could never be returned to the wild.
“Molly’s return hinges on the family applying for a licence and agreeing with a range of conditions that will ensure the best outcome for the animal’s ongoing health and wellbeing,” the statement reads.
“Independent expert veterinary advice has shown that Molly is highly habituated and may have developmental issues, meaning it can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild.
“DESI is now working with the couple who had been caring for Molly to ensure they have the appropriate license and training to properly home the magpie.
“Once the individuals have demonstrated that they can and will meet the conditions, Molly will be placed with its former carers.”
The bird was surrendered to the government on March 1, making worldwide headlines and sparking a social media campaign to return it.
Premier Steven Miles said on Wednesday he had spoken to the family and was working to return Molly to her home.
“I just wanted to share an update about Molly the magpie. I’ve spoken to Reece and Juliette and reassured them Molly is in great spirits and is receiving good care,” he said.
“The team will work with them now to do that.
“It’s good news and means Molly can come home very soon.”
In a social media post on Thursday morning, Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen thanked Mr Miles for his help.
“Our hearts are full of happiness after talking to the Premier yesterday. We want to thank the Queensland Premier Steven Miles for showing unity and humanity in taking this issue on,” they wrote.
The pair also thanked supporters, saying they had “shown the world” what could be achieved “with persistence without agression”.
They said their hearts had broken watching their dogs, Peggy and Ruby, “looking around for Molly or out the window for hours waiting to see their best friend again”.
They hit out at a “small minority of people” they claimed had “harassed” them, and also at the department.
“We have become a meme, an interview question and the topic of conversation around the world,” they said.
“ ... Constantly Hitting brick walls trying to get answers from the dept about Molly and his whereabouts.”
‘Very soon’: Premier reveals Molly the magpie’s fate
Premier Steven Miles has revealed the fate of Insta-famous Molly the magpie after speaking with the Gold Coast family who took the beloved bird in.
The magpie, made famous on social media by the popular Molly and Peggy account, made worldwide headlines after news broke of its surrender to Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) officials.
The bird, who is one half of bird and canine duo Peggy and Molly, had lived with carers Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen and become a social media sensation, securing almost two million followers.
It is illegal to keep native wildlife in Queensland without a permit.
Mr Miles on Wednesday morning said progress was being made to allow Molly to return home.
“I just wanted to share an update about Molly the magpie. I’ve spoken to Reece and Juliette and reassured them Molly is in great spirits and is receiving good care,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
An enormous social media and letter-writing campaign was unleashed after news of Molly’s surrender was broken on Tuesday March 26, with carers Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen urging supporters in a video message to demand an investigation into DESI officers’ handling of the matter.
However it also saw a torrent of abusive emails and social media messages, including death threats, directed at DESI staff and wildlife volunteers blamed by online trolls for Molly’s surrender.
It comes just a day after the Peggy and Molly account posted wanting an update from the Premier.
“What's taking soo long ??” the post reads.
“Mr QLD Premier Steven Miles said he was going to help bring Molly home but he’s not answering my emails or phone calls. I don't understand why?
“If he does get back to me I’m going to tell him Ruff I’m NOT Happy, I miss my bestie and worry about him everyday.”
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Originally published as Peggy and Molly: Premier Steven Miles reveals the fate of insta-famous magpie taken in by Gold Coast family
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