Big news for famous dog and magpie
The story of the unusual friendship between Queensland magpie Molly and Staffordshire terrier Peggy is being turned into a “wholesome” new animated series.
The exciting news was shared on the duo’s viral Instagram account on Thursday.
“We are thrilled to announce that Xentrix Studios will bring to life a heartwarming animated series about a kind-hearted, animal-loving couple and their beautiful Staffy girls, a magpie and their friends,” the post said.
“We are so grateful that they are bringing this special friendship to life that people of all ages around the world can enjoy.”
The animated series features the “heartwarming stories” and “playful escapades” of the pair’s unique friendship in 52 eleven-minute episodes aimed at children ages five to eleven.
The series will also feature Peggy’s daughter Ruby, described as a “cheeky and mischievous Staffy, full of playful energy and a stubborn streak.”
An Instagram account dedicated to the new series features numerous other characters, including a trio of street cats named Jinx, Rascal and Bandit who “lurk in shady corners” and plot to trick and capture Molly.
Border collie twins Matilda and Tobi exemplify a “playful rivalry” and unbreakable bond between two sisters, while Shelly, “a big fat cat” with an inflated ego, is the self-proclaimed beauty of the animal pack.
Development of the series is expected to continue next year.
Molly and Peggy first made global headlines in March after Molly was handed over to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation following allegations that the bird was “not being kept illegally”.
But after 42 days and campaigns led by Prime Minister Steven Miles and professional surfer Kelly Slater, Molly was returned to her owners Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen under strict conditions, including that neither the bird nor its image could be used for ongoing commercial gain.
The owners were also required to complete wildlife rehabilitator training and continue to work with DESI to ensure the bird received adequate care and support.
When asked about the owners and the commercial gain from the series, Chelsea Bonner, CEO of Xentrix, said the Queensland couple had “simply given Xentrix permission to develop an animated series using the nicknames of their animals.”
“No payments have been made for it. The series is not yet funded and will probably be in development for at least another year,” she said, according to the Courier Mail.
“Xentrix Studios must raise production funds to produce the series and hire animators, writers, editors and more, which is a long and expensive process.”
Since it is an animated series, according to Ms. Bonner, the animals do not have to appear or participate in the series, but “will stay at home and enjoy their real lives.”