Twin power helps to save injured seabirds

Bridgette and Paula Powers know only too well the daily threats facing Australia's wildlife.

From the moment the identical twins found and helped an injured pelican during a Sunshine Coast holiday seven years ago, they have dedicated their lives to saving our many seabirds.

The twins, 33, moved from New South Wales to Beerwah, where they set up the Marine Animals Rescue Service to care for injured and sick seabirds and spread the word on how we can help protect them.

It's a quest The Sunday Mail is inviting readers to join today with the publication of the first in a stunning new colour wildlife magazine series highlighting the wonders of the animal world. The five-part free glossy Wild & Wonderful magazine series, produced in co-operation with Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, showcases the majesty of animals around the globe whose future is becoming increasingly precarious.

Packed with compelling images by some of the world's finest wildlife photographers, the series contains information about the way the animals live, why many face a bleak future and how we can help protect them.

Part 1 in today's Sunday Mail concentrates on the animals of Australia and Oceania.

Part 2 to 5, which will also be free over the next four weeks, cover the animals of Asia, the Americas and the Arctic, Europe and Africa

When birds rescued by the Powers twins need special treatment, they take them to the nearby Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior's Wildlife Hospital.

Bridgette said they once took an injured pelican to the hospital. It needed 46 stitches to close a cut in its pouch (the sac beneath its bill). She said fishermen sometimes slashed the bird's pouches to stop them stealing fish.

"If it wasn't for the Australian Wildlife Hospital we wouldn't be able to do what we do," said Paula.

If you would like to volunteer to help the Australian Wildlife Hospital call volunteer co-ordinators Jacquie or Lisa on 5436 2097.