The family who cared for Molly the Magpie have posted a heartbreaking video as part of their ongoing efforts to have Molly returned to them.
The beautiful friendship between Molly and Staffordshire bull terrier Peggy came to an abrupt end recently - and ever since Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen have been trying to get her back.
You might have 'something in your eye' after watching this video, or simply marvel at the poetic soul this magpie apparently has:
Molly is an Australian Magpie who became an internet sensation.
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The magpie was found after falling out of a nest by Wells and Mortensen who took her home.
There Molly became unlikely friends with the couple's Staffordshire Bull Terrier Peggy, with the pair racking up hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers.
Authorities confiscated Molly when it emerged that neither Wells nor Mortensen had training to rehabilitate wild animals.
Now, the couple have taken to Instagram to share a heartfelt plea for Molly's return.
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In the video, Wells reads in a sombre voiceover: "They came & told us they wanted to take you away.
"We couldn’t even picture what that would look like?
"I WILL NEVER forget that day.
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"If Molly had a voice what would he say?
"If Molly had a choice where would he stay?
"The Silence has been broken.
"People have awoken.
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"I haven’t been placed on this earth to hide.
"Let me soar again & be your guide.
"In unity & Harmony you will see.
"What the world needs right now is Peggy, Ruby & ME."
Why was Molly the magpie taken away?
Australia has very strict law around the handling and treatment of its unique wildlife.
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These include when someone finds an injured or sick animal.
When this happens any rehabilitation has to be carried out by someone with proper training to ensure that the animal doesn't become overly reliant on humans and can be safely released back into the wild.
Unfortunately in the case of Molly, officials said that it is already too late as she has become too dependent on humans to ever be released.
A statement from the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) said: “Animals that are sick, orphaned or injured must go to a person who holds a valid rehabilitation permit, which are issued to people who have demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience dealing with and caring for native animals.
“The purpose of rehabilitating native wildlife is to provide care so that the animal can be released back to the wild.
“When an animal is being rehabilitated, it must be done in a way that minimises humanisation and allows it to exhibit natural instincts and behaviour."
Allowing a wild animal to associate with a domesticated animal is also a big problem in rules.
Nonetheless the premier of Queensland DESI has indicated that they would be willing to assist the couple in obtaining the proper training to rehabilitate wildlife.
The premier said: "What I’m suggesting now is we work with the family to get them that permit, so Molly can be reunited with their family."
Many people have been calling for Molly to be returned to the family.
The couple have also warned people who want to help them to watch out for any fundraisers claiming to be them.
They clarified that they are not running a fundraiser, and are only gathering public support via a petition.
Topics: News, World News, Australia, Animals