Magpie Molly is finally returning home – after the bird was suddenly taken by wildlife authorities

Molly the Magpie has been returned home after he was removed by wildlife authorities.

Molly the Magpie gained an online following of almost a million people who fell in love with his friendship with the two Staffordshire terriers Peggy and Ruby at the Gold Coast home of Juliette Wells and Reese Mortenson.

Queensland Environment Department officials removed the male treasure from the couple’s home on March 1, saying the wild bird was being kept illegally.

But now the bird is finally home after spending 45 days separated from its family.

“The Department for Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has approved a specialist license and has today returned ‘Molly’ the stingray to a couple who took it in as a nestling in 2020,” it said in a statement.

‘Independent expert veterinary advice has shown that Molly, who was handed over to the ward on March 1, is very habituated and may have developmental issues, meaning she can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild.

‘The decision to return Molly has been made in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992 following extensive legal advice.’

DESI added that Juliette and Reese agreed to conditions including undertaking wildlife carer training, ongoing engagement with DESI to ensure Molly has adequate care and enrichment, and ceasing any ongoing commercial gain from Molly or his image.

“These conditions are standard for all specialist licenses held by wildlife keepers in Queensland and ensure the best outcome for the continued health and well-being of the bird,” they said.

“DESI has also required the family to undertake an advocacy and public education role to encourage people to look after native wildlife and recognize the specialist skills required to look after and rehabilitate wildlife.”

It comes as the removal of Molly caused a social media storm, with online supporters calling for the bird’s safe return.

Premier Steven Miles even joined the chorus, despite the couple accusing him of ignoring their calls and emails.

Wildlife authorities seized the Instagram-famous bird (pictured centre) amid claims the treasure was being illegally kept on their Gold Coast property

On Wednesday morning, he announced that Molly would be reunited with her canine friends ‘very soon’.

‘This morning the department informed me that the couple can secure the right licence. The team will work with them to do so now, Mr Miles said.

“That’s great news and means Molly can come home very soon.”

The Premier thanked those who had campaigned for Molly’s return and said the treasure was in good spirits and receiving good care.

Juliete and Reese rescued Molly as a chick after he fell from his nest in 2020.

Molly was originally thought to be a female by Mrs. Wells, but is actually a male and the name stuck.

Videos of Molly playing with the couple’s two Staffies quickly gained traction online and grew a loyal fan base.

On Monday, Molly returned him to his family after Juliette Wells and Reese Mortenson agreed to conditions set by the Department for Environment, Science and Innovation

Queensland law prohibits native wild animals from being domesticated and kept as pets.

Animals that are sick, orphaned or injured can only be rescued and cared for by those who have a rehabilitation permit and intend to release them back into the wild.

The couple have previously explained that Molly is not kept in the same way that a pet owner might look after a budgie or parrot in a cage, as he is free to fly away in search of food and come back.

Ms Wells was first asked to surrender Molly six months ago when authorities visited her home, but she was unable to catch the bird as it was in a tree.