Heartwarming footage shows Molly the Magpie cherishing his first day at home after being reunited with his family and Staffordshire Terrier friends.
Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen shared a montage of the bird’s ‘first 24 hours at home’ after it was returned to its family on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Molly had been separated from the family for 45 days after being confiscated by wildlife authorities before being returned following national outrage.
The video shows Molly running around the house with her wings outstretched, taking a bath, singing and enjoying the sun with his canine friends Peggy and Ruby.
“Molly’s first 24 hours at home were amazing for all of us,” Ms Wells wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.
‘The three best friends soaked up the sun together or just enjoyed each other’s company, as they always have.
Molly, the world-famous magpie, is back with his Staffy friends and human caretakers, 45 days after he was captured by wildlife authorities
The video shows Molly running around the house with her wings outstretched, taking a bath, singing and enjoying the sun with his canine friends Peggy and Ruby
‘They have settled back into their normal family life and Molly has had a few baths and played with his trusty sloth toy with Peggy and Ruby, never far away.
“We’ve had to duck a few times because the wings are flapping past our heads and the constant singing is music to our ears.”
Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen rescued Molly as a baby in 2020 and began sharing his ‘unlikely friendship with their two pet wands on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
The trio shot to fame, attracting two million followers, and starring in a book full of photos of the unlikely companions, with fans raving about the ‘very special’ relationship between the three animals.
Initially thought by Mrs Wells that Molly was a woman, she is actually a man and the name stuck.
Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen voluntarily surrendered Molly to the Queensland Department of Science, Environment and Innovation (DESI) on March 1 after authorities discovered they did not have the required license to care for native wildlife.
After a battle with the state government, Molly was returned Monday under strict conditions, including that the couple would no longer profit from the bird or its image.
Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen shared an emotional update on Facebook immediately after being reunited with their beloved bird earlier this week.
“We are so excited to share the first photo of the three besties reunited,” the couple wrote.
“Thank you for giving us some space to settle in and enjoy each other’s company again.”
One photo showed the two dogs sitting on a white fluffy cushion, while Molly stood off to the side and stared into the camera.
“He sings, barks and sunbathes with Peggy and Ruby,” said Mrs. Wells and Mr. Mortenson.
“We are so grateful to have him with us again, we couldn’t have done it with you.”
Another gushing message read: “We have the best news. Molly is home. We are currently overwhelmed by emotions.
“Molly’s first 24 hours at home were amazing for all of us,” Ms Wells wrote on Instagram on Tuesday
Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen rescued Molly as a baby in 2020 and began sharing his ‘unlikely friendship with their two pet wands on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
‘It was a very exciting reunion at the [Department] for us this morning with a little shout of joy from Molly.’
Social media users were thrilled with Molly’s return.
“So happy to see Molly back where he belongs,” said one.
“Seeing Molly come made my day. I love how he takes a bath, it’s like he’s washing himself of all the ridiculousness that came with it,” wrote another.
“If this doesn’t show the world the bond these people have, I don’t know what else,” a third person said. “So glad Molly is safe and home.”
Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen have trained as wildlife carers and must continue to liaise with authorities to ensure the bird receives adequate care.
The couple said they had obtained a permit to care for the bird.
They are also encouraged to publicly educate others on how to properly care for native wildlife.
Footage showed Molly the Magpie being returned to his home after 45 days away from his family
