Instagram-famous Magpie Separated from Best Friend Sparks Outcry

Gold Coast‘s beloved Instagram-famous magpie, Molly, known for its heartwarming bond with a Staffordshire bull terrier named Peggy, has been separated from its carers, Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, sparking a wave of public outcry and demands for its return.

Wells and Mortensen rescued Molly after it fell from its nest, and the trio quickly became inseparable, capturing the hearts of over two million followers on social media platforms.

Despite the deep connection between Peggy and Molly, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation seized the magpie, citing legal violations regarding keeping wild animals without the necessary permits or licenses.

Following the confiscation, a public campaign led by Wells and Mortensen gained momentum, with calls for Molly’s return and accusations of bureaucratic overreach.

Steven Miles, the former minister for the environment in Queensland, showed support for the cause, urging authorities to collaborate with the carers for a resolution.

In response, the DESI emphasized that Molly had been illegally obtained and that wild animals should not be domesticated due to the risks of stress, imprinting, and disease transmission.

Renowned bird expert Darryl Jones from Griffith University highlighted Molly’s intelligence and urged for its return to the family, emphasizing the magpie’s affinity for human companionship.

Wells and Mortensen’s efforts to mobilize public pressure have led to a wider discussion on wildlife protection laws and the ethical considerations of keeping wild animals as pets.

Wildlife Rescue Australia reiterated the importance of respecting regulations that prohibit the domestication of wild animals, underscoring the need for proper care and expertise in handling such wildlife.