Molly the Magpie: Australia Debates Capturing the Instagram-Famous Bird

An Australian state premier has expressed support for a movement to reunite an Instagram-famous magpie with its human caretakers, following its confiscation by wildlife authorities.

The bird, named Molly, was saved as a chick by a couple from Queensland and developed an unexpected connection with their bull terrier, Peggy.

Over two million individuals are avid followers of the “Peggy and Molly” profile on the internet.

Queensland’s leader Steven Miles believes that Molly should be reunited with the family, going against the stance of state officials.

“I believe that in certain situations, it is important to use common sense and consider alternative possibilities,” Mr. Miles expressed on Thursday.

In a heartfelt video, Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen shared that they had made the difficult decision to hand over Molly to Queensland’s environment department earlier in the week. They explained that this choice was prompted by the persistent complaints from a few individuals who expressed concerns about Molly’s well-being under their care.

“We are questioning why a wild magpie is not given the freedom to choose his own habitat and companions,” the couple expressed in an online post.

Over 50,000 fans have expressed their support for reuniting the “bonded animals” who have been featured in videos together for the past four years. Someone pointed out Molly’s imitations of a dog barking as evidence of her connection to her family.

The state’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (Desi) recognizes the public’s interest in Molly. However, it is important to note that magpies are not domestic animals and should only be temporarily housed for rehabilitation purposes.

“Desi is currently taking care of the magpie.” Regrettably, due to its extensive exposure to humans, the creature is unable to be reintroduced to its natural habitat,” stated a representative.

Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen have expressed their intention to persist with their campaign, asserting that Molly would have been in grave danger if she had not been provided with shelter.

Australian magpies, with a lifespan of up to 30 years, are highly valued as a protected native species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the nation’s ecosystem. These birds are given their name due to their striking resemblance to the Eurasian magpie, despite not being closely related to them.