Queensland Premier Steven Miles has provided a major update on Molly the magpie, who wildlife officials removed from the home of Reece Mortensen and Juliette Wells after complaints the bird was being kept illegally.
The Gold Coast couple rescued Molly when he fell from a nest in 2020.
A surprising friendship blossomed between Molly — who was initially thought to be a female — and the couple’s staffordshire bull terriers Peggy and Ruby.
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Wells began documenting the friendship on social media, showing the trio cuddling, playing together and even the magpie barking like a pup.
Molly’s removal prompted a furore from people who said it was cruel to break the bond between the family’s pet dogs and Molly — who had continued to live in the family’s backyard after recovering.
“I’ve spoken to Reece and Juliette and reassured them Molly is in great spirits and is receiving good care,” Miles said on Wednesday.
“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.
“I know that will come as good news to the thousands of people who comment on my Facebook page every day, calling on me to free Molly.
“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.”
The news comes a day after Mortensen and Wells claimed Miles was ignoring their requests for help.
As the story of Molly’s removal gained social media traction, Miles weighed in — calling on authorities to help the couple secure the proper wildlife permits.
“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.
“I know they take their responsibilities under the law very seriously, but I think in these circumstances there’s room for some flexibility.
“I sometimes think common sense needs to prevail.
“I hope my support for that campaign can get Molly back home.”
Since Molly was seized, Wells and Mortensen have not been able to see the treasured bird but have never given up hope of a reunion.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has assured the family that Molly is doing well.
“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 department spokesperson said.
“Our priority is the ongoing welfare of the magpie, and the bird is safe, undergoing rehabilitation and has full access to veterinary care.”
Social media users celebrated Miles’ announcement, though many still slammed the length of time it is taking to reunite Molly with his family.
“I highly doubt that Molly is in great spirits,” one person said.
“Anyone who knows birds knows that he will be pining for his family and territory.
“He had his freedom and now he doesn’t thanks to your ridiculous bureaucracy! Stop saying the same thing over and over and just let poor little Molly go home today!”
“Awesome, but should never had been seized in the first place,” another person said.
“Traumatic for the family, dogs and Molly. Was never in anyone’s best interest.”
Another person pointed out Molly was taken because he was a wild animal being domesticated — but is now being kept in a cage while with authorities.
“You took Molly away because he was ‘wild’ … yet he wasn’t kept in a cage and was free to leave as he pleased. Now he is being kept in a cage,” the person said.
Other people said while they understand why Molly’s case was flagged, they think the situation could have been handled better.
“I wish the department had sent someone out to assess the situation first,” one person said.
“There have been cases of people taking home joeys and feeding them the wrong food, resulting in carers being given dying animals, so I understand their reaction.”