Instagram star Molly the magpie has made its long-awaited return home to its carers in Queensland, according to authorities.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) said in a statement today authorities have approved a specialised licence and reunited the bird with Gold Coast couple Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen after they agreed to several conditions.
The bird, who was made famous by its friendship with a staffy named Peggy, was voluntarily surrendered to authorities more than 45 days ago.
“Independent expert veterinary advice has shown that Molly, who was surrendered to the department on March 1, is highly habituated and may have developmental issues, meaning it can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild,” DESI said in a statement.
“The decision to return Molly has been made in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992, following extensive legal advice.”
The spokesperson said the family has agreed to receive no ongoing commercial gain from the bird or its image, undertake wildlife carer training and have ongoing engagement with DESI to ensure the bird is receiving adequate care and enrichment.
“DESI has also required the family undertake an advocacy and public education role be performed to encourage people to appropriately care for native wildlife and acknowledging the specialist skills required to care for and rehabilitate wildlife,” DESI said.
