An unlikely friendship between a magpie and a Staffordshire bull terrier, separated by authorities, is set to be reunited after intervention from an Australian state premier.
The magpie, named Molly, was removed from the care of Reece Mortensen and Juliette Wells by Queensland’s Department of Environment due to illegal possession. Mortensen and Wells had been caring for Molly since she fell from a nest in a Gold Coast park four years ago. Molly formed a strong bond with Peggy, the family’s dog, and the duo gained fame on social media through their Instagram page, Peggyandmolly, boasting over 800,000 followers.
Photos on the Instagram page depict heartwarming moments of Molly and Peggy cuddling, playing, and celebrating holidays together. However, last month, the couple was compelled to surrender Molly as she was kept without a license, prompting outcry from fans who launched a petition for her return.
Steven Miles, the premier of Queensland, responded to the public outcry, announcing on Wednesday that Molly could be returned home after the couple secures the appropriate license. Miles reassured the couple of Molly’s well-being and expressed his support for their reunion.
While Australian magpies are not permitted to live in captivity as domestic animals, the couple’s dedication to Molly and Peggy’s bond garnered widespread support. Mortensen and Wells expressed gratitude for the public’s overwhelming support and eagerly anticipated Molly’s return.
The couple is set to meet with Queensland’s Environment Department to finalize the terms for Molly’s return, anticipating the reunion with their beloved pets. Molly and Peggy’s remarkable friendship has captured the hearts of many, earning comparisons to a “real-life Winnie-the-Pooh” story by local media.
