‘Make this happen’: Major update after Molly the magpie seized

A Queensland family fighting to have a beloved magpie returned home have shared a major update on social media.

An internet-famous magpie could soon be reunited with a Queensland family, who have revealed authorities are working on a “positive solution” weeks after seizing the beloved bird.

Molly the magpie was rescued as a chick by Gold Coast couple Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen after he fell from his nest at a local park in 2020.

The magpie later became an online sensation after the couple shared his unlikely friendship with their English staffy, Peggy, on social media.

Molly – who has never been caged or been forced to stay inside – forged a heartwarming bond with the dog, with the pair often seen eating and playing together in videos shared online.

Molly and Peggy became unlikely friends after the magpie was rescued in 2020. Picture: Facebook

The pair are often seen eating and playing together in videos shared online. Picture: Facebook

However, after three years together, the couple shared the “devastating” news that they had to surrender Molly to authorities on March 1.

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) told news.com.au the bird was seized amid allegations he was being “kept unlawfully”.

But in a major update on Friday, Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen revealed DESI has agreed to a face-to-face meeting to discuss a solution and are confident they can “make this happen”.

“We have had an UPDATE!” they wrote in a post on Instagram.

“The department is moving forward and trying to get the legal frameworks in place for a positive solution.

“We have a face-to-face meeting with the heads of the department to try to work out what is the best path forward in Mollys best interest.”

“We are confident with the right training, support and licences we can make this happen.”

The couple said the DESI has agreed to a meeting to discuss Molly. Picture: Instagram

They said the department is working towards a “positive solution”. Picture: Facebook

The couple asked their followers to keep “pushing forward together” to bring Molly home.

“Keep the emails rolling,” they wrote.

The update comes after the couple revealed on Tuesday they had received a long-awaited call from a DESI representative, who assured them of Molly’s safety and wellbeing.

“To say we are relieved is an understatement,” they shared on Instagram at the time.

“We were told he was healthy, happy, and in good spirits.

The pair added DESI were “looking at options to proceed” with Queensland Premier Steven Miles’ suggestion to train them up as certified wildlife carers so they could be reunited with the bird.

“We’ve done lots of research and studying in relation to looking after the magpies,” Mr Mortensen told Nine’s Today show on Wednesday.

He said he was unsure what further training they would need to do.

“I’ve been through all the accredited training to rehabilitate wildlife … so we’re not quite sure exactly what sort of further training is involved,” he said.

“But they’re going through the legalities right now to work out what they can do to, to bring him home.”

The Tuesday night social media post was accompanied by an emotive video showing Peggy cuddling a stuffed magpie.

Peggy was seen cuddling a plush toy magpie in Molly’s absence. Picture: Facebook

“Stay positive, keep focused on the best outcome and never give up on this noisy little magpie,” they wrote.

DESI, in its efforts to ensure Molly’s welfare, has assured the public of ongoing care and rehabilitation for the magpie.

“The department has contacted the couple to assure them that Molly is being well cared for and that options are being examined for the bird’s future care,” a DESI spokesman said.

“Our priority is the ongoing welfare of the magpie, and the bird is safe, undergoing rehabilitation and has full access to veterinary care.”