Molly the Magpie Returns Home to Best Friend Peggy After 45-Day Separation
An Unlikely Friendship Separated
After their separation sparked a huge public outcry, Molly the magpie has finally been reunited with her dog best friend, Peggy. In 2020, Juliet and Reese rescued the Australian magpie after he fell from a nest in a tree near their home, and they took him home to nurse him back to health.
To their surprise, Molly and their Staffordshire terrier, Peggy, quickly developed a deep connection. While Molly technically remained wild and always had the freedom to come and go, she's always chosen to spend a lot of time with Peggy. They became best friends, and when videos of them playing together and cuddling together made it to social media, the duo gained a huge following.
The Separation
But not everyone was happy to see their friendship develop. According to Juliet, a small group of people kept reporting them for keeping a magpie as a pet. Because of these complaints, Molly was taken away from her environment by wildlife authorities, and Peggy was left with just a stuffed replica of her friend to cuddle with.
Authorities said that because Molly had been cared for by the family without a permit, she needed to be transferred to the care of professionals. During this time, Peggy could only find comfort in a stuffed toy version of her feathered friend.
Public Support and Reunion
Molly's removal sparked a huge public outcry. After all, Molly was happy and healthy where she was, and she'd never been kept captive. Over 150,000 people signed a petition for Molly to be returned, and her family worked to undergo training and obtain a wildlife carer's license.
The public's voice was heard. After 45 days of separation, Molly is finally back home, and Peggy has her best friend back for good. Their reunion marks the end of a challenging period for both animals and their human family.
This heartwarming story shows the power of unusual animal friendships and how public support can make a difference when facing regulatory challenges. Molly and Peggy's bond continues to bring joy to their family and followers around the world.
