Molly the magpie, whose viral fame led to his rescuers signing a book deal, will be reunited with his best friend, Peggy the staffy — but conditions apply.

In short? Authorities say Molly the magpie will be returned to its original carers on the condition they make no commercial gain from the bird.

The couple, who have had the bird for four years, run a popular Instagram account and have signed a book deal.

What’s next? The environment department will work with the couple to ensure the magpie is properly cared for.

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The department said in a statement that independent expert veterinary advice had shown that Molly was highly habituated and may have developmental issues, meaning he can never be rehabilitated or returned to the wild.

Good news they’ve put the condition on in this particular instance, but you can guarantee other Instatockers who want their five minutes of fame will be out there collecting whatever they can get their selfish mitts on to try and be the next big thing.

  • saltesc@lemmy.world
    0·
    9 months ago

    Those idiots. Every Australian knows you can have wild magpies come chillout with you around your home. They’re smart and social. You don’t need to capture one. Just a few days of feeding bits of ham and talking, they’ll come visit and be on your shoulder in no time. The problem is when they get too confident and go in the house and give you sass telling them to gtfo. Or they disappear to have kis and come back with the fam

    • Dkarma@lemmy.world
      0·
      9 months ago

      Sounds like they had to capture it to save its life and didn’t do it to make the thing a sideshow.