Molly the magpie: Queensland premier backs return of Instagram-hit bird to couple after being seized

Queensland’s premier has thrown his support for a campaign to return an Instagram-famous magpie to its former carers and its dog best friend, after it was seized by the environment department.

The bird went viral after it struck up a friendship with their Staffordshire bull terrier Peggy, and the Gold Coast couple created an Instagram page to celebrate what Wells called a “ real-life Winnie the Pooh and Piglet story ”.

“We did everything in our power to work with the department, including training and also me obtaining my wildlife permit, which, after a period of time, I had to retract my application, as it was a bit of a conflict to our page,” Mortensen said.

They called for an investigation into the handling of the situation by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation and asked followers to email their support to the state government.

On Wednesday, Steven Miles said he backed the campaign and encouraged officers at the department to work with the couple to return the animal.

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