On Monday, DESI announced Molly had been returned home.
"The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has approved a specialised licence and today returned 'Molly' the magpie to a couple who took it in as a nestling in 2020,' a statement said.
"Independent expert veterinary advice has shown that Molly, who was surrendered to the department on 1 March, is highly habituated and may have developmental issues, meaning it can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild."
The statement adds: "The decision to return Molly has been made in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992, following extensive legal advice.
"The family demonstrated their willingness and ability to meet the conditions set out in the licence."
"DESI has also required the family to undertake an advocacy and public education role to encourage people to appropriately care for native wildlife and acknowledge the specialist skills required to care for and rehabilitate wildlife."
Molly was surrendered last month
Molly’s owner revealed in an Instagram post that she voluntarily surrendered the bird to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) last month.
“We are devastated to share this news with you: Molly has been surrendered to the Southern Wildlife Operations Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation," pet owners Reece and Juliette wrote on Instagram.
"We are asking why a wild Magpie can’t decide for himself where he wants to live and who he wants to spend his time with?”
Molly and Peggy reunited
On April 10, Queensland Premier Steven Miles announced Molly would be returned to the family.
“I just wanted to share an update about Molly the magpie. I’ve spoken to Reece and Juliette and reassured them Molly is in great spirits and is receiving good care," Miles said in a Facebook post about the Peggy and Molly account on Wednesday.
“This morning, the Department advised me that the couple could secure the appropriate licence. The team will work with them now to do that. It’s good news and means Molly can come home very soon. I want to thank everyone who has written to me to share their concerns and advocate for Molly’s return.”
"Words can’t describe how grateful and moved we are"
Following the good news, Reese and Juliette thanked everyone who has supported them during this difficult time.
"The messages, emails, phone calls, and thousands of signatures on petitions – the love, support, and sheer determination for a cause – are what you have done and kept us going. We have shown the world what can be achieved when we work together. We have shown the world that this can be achieved with persistence without aggression.
"Words can’t describe how grateful and moved we are to be sitting here writing this today.
"Our hearts are full of happiness after talking to the Premier yesterday. We want to thank QLD Premier Steven Miles for showing unity and humanity in taking this issue on.
"We will be speaking to the dept ( DESI ) today to finalise the next steps to bringing Molly home ❤️"
Conditions for Molly's release
In a media release last week (11 April 2024), DESI listed the conditions for which Molly can be returned to his previous carer. Not only do they have to have the appropriate license and raining to home the magpie, but they also must adhere to these conditions:
- There is no ongoing commercial gain from the bird or its image.
- Undertaking wildlife carer training.
- Advocating public education to encourage people to appropriately care for native wildlife and acknowledging the specialist skills required to care for and rehabilitate wildlife.
- Ongoing engagement with DESI ensures the bird receives adequate care and enrichment.
DESI has also expressed, "Independent expert veterinary advice has shown that Molly is highly habituated and may have developmental issues, meaning it can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild."