A beloved Gold Coast magpie, Molly, may once again be forced to leave its home after the Supreme Court overturned the special license that allowed the bird to stay with its owners.
The license was challenged by a group of anonymous wildlife volunteers, reigniting the saga that began earlier this year.
In March, Molly came to the attention of authorities after allegations it had been illegally taken from the wild. The family caring for the magpie lacked the necessary permit to house native wildlife, prompting the bird’s seizure. The removal sparked widespread public outrage, with thousands signing petitions demanding the bird be returned.
After a public campaign, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) announced Molly could go back to its adoptive family under strict conditions, including applying for a license.
At the time, the department explained their decision:
“Molly’s return hinges on the family applying for a licence and agreeing with a range of conditions that will ensure the best outcome for the animal’s ongoing health and wellbeing,” it read.
“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.
“The decision to return Molly has been made in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992, following extensive legal advice.”
Queensland law requires that magpies and other protected wildlife be cared for only by licensed carers who have the necessary specialist skills.
Despite these assurances, the Supreme Court this week set aside the family’s special carers license, casting doubt on Molly’s future.
In an online post, the family expressed their frustration:
“Some anonymous people challenged [DES’s] decision to grant us a specialised licence so Molly could come back to a family who love him,” they wrote.
“The outcome: The decision to grant us a specialised licence has been set aside and is of no effect. That also means our application for a specialised licence made on 11 April 2024 remains undecided.
“What does that mean? We are not sure because we have not been advised of the next steps.”
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Molly gained internet fame for its heartwarming and unlikely friendship with the family’s English Staffy, Peggy.
For now, Molly’s fate hangs in the balance as the family awaits further instructions from authorities
