The Twinnies, Paula and Bridgette Powers will remain on the Sunshine Coast to continue their rescue and rehabilitation of pelicans and seabirds from their Landsborough base.
In response to an overwhelming call to stay, the twins and their mother Helen Power have shelved plans to relocate and plan to find funds to purchase their rented three acre property.
After 10 years at the Landsborough property the landlord decided to sell when their lease ends next July, giving them first option to buy.
Helen said the response from the public led her to abandon plans to relocate to South Burnett where property was less expensive and to instead plan to purchase their rental property.
“People were begging, ‘please don’t go’” Helen said.
“I don’t think the Sunshine Coast can do without the Twinnies.
“They really put everything they’ve got into the birds.
“There are some darn good carers on the Sunshine Coast but no one else really specialises in sea birds. The girls really do put their heart and soul into it. I’ve seen some miracle work the twins have done. They just love every creature.”
Bridgette and Paula are quick to respond
to a call to help pelicans and seabirds in
distress from Noosa and Gympie to Brisbane
and no matter how challenging the rescue of a
sick or injured bird they “never give up”.
The “Twinnies” are widely known for their
dedication to their feathered friends and uncanny
ability to act as one. They provide expert care and much
love to numerous pelicans and seabirds as
well as the many land birds that are brought
to them, and seek professional medical assistance from Australia Zoo, RSPCA or local veterinarians when required.
Helen asked the Twinnies what they’d do it everything went pear-shaped and they were adamant they wouldn’t be going anywhere without the birds.
She said despite their financial woes Paula and Bridgette faced every day with a smile on their face.
“They never complain, and with their ailments they have every reason to complain,” Helen said.
Helen said the twins would require surgery early next year for an ongoing health problem that concerned her greatly.
“I lost a daughter to the same problem Bridgette and Paula have got. But we’ve come 20 years ahead in medicine since then,” she said.
Helen said the Landsborough property on which they have built their sea bird centre would cost $700,000 and they would need to raise about $400,000 before the lease runs out to secure it.
She said she would be investing her own money toward the purchase of the property but was also financing the food and upkeep of birds and hoped for donations to assist in the care of the birds.
“It’s going to be a very big expense,” she said.
“If I can help the girls anyway I can I will. If the public love them that much the public should get behind them.”
“The people who own it have been pretty good,” Helen said. “We have first agreement on it. We’ve got to wait and see what happens.”
Anyone wanting to help the Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue centre can donate funds through their website at www.twinnies.com.au. Volunteers are always needed to help with the care of the birds and visitors are welcome to see the centre through their conducted tours.
