TWINS RECEIVE PETA AWARD FOR RESCUING AND REHABILITATING TWO INJURED PELICANS

Paula and Bridgette Powers Release Birds Back Into the Wild After Spending Months Returning Them to Health

For Immediate Release:
29 January 2014

Sunshine Coast – After saving two seriously injured pelicans, rescuers and twins sisters Paula and Bridgette Powers, who run Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue in Landsborough, will receive a Hero to Animals Award from animal rights group PETA Australia.

“Without the help of Paula and Bridgette, it is very unlikely that the pelicans would’ve survived”, says PETA Australia Director of Campaigns Jason Baker. “We encourage everyone to stop, help and speak up for animals who are subjected to pain or suffering, because if you don’t, maybe no one else will.”

Pelicans Peta and Bibbie sustained similar injuries from fishing hooks. Peta had a hook imbedded deep in the joint of her leg. Her leg was so badly damaged that she required surgery every three days. Bibbie, who is a juvenile pelican, spent two months in care before being released. Both pelicans were released back into their home at Pumicestone Passage two weeks ago.

Paula Powers told a local newspaper that releasing pelicans back into the wild “makes it all worthwhile”. “It’s very special to send them back”, she said. Both pelicans have permanent limps because of their injuries. “They look like they are in pain but they’re not”, she said.

Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue provides a 24/7 rescue and rehabilitation service for seabirds, waterbirds, native birds and other native wildlife. If you see an injured bird, please call the 24-hour rescue hotline on 0421 476 56.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.au.

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