One half of the Sunshine Coast's most famous set of twins is recovering at home after a "frightening" experience left her in hospital.
Paula and Bridgette Powers had just finished a live television interview at their Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue facility at Landsborough on Monday when they received an anonymous phone call.
Paula answered and her sister Bridgette said she could immediately tell something was wrong.
"She just sat on the chair and she just broke down in tears," Bridgette said.
She said her sister fell off her chair.
"She collapsed because she got this foul, foul woman on the phone, just abusing her saying we're scammers, we're frauds, you're taking people's money and she just kept going on and on like that," Bridgette said.
The sisters, who have dedicated their lives to rescuing and rehabilitating birds, are both on medication for heart and stomach issues.
Their mother Helen Powers said she called an ambulance immediately.
Paramedics told the family Paula had experienced a hypertensive crisis after her blood pressure spiked to 216 over 156.
She was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for treatment but has since been discharged.
Search for a new nest
Police have confirmed they're investigating the incident and the caller could be charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.
Bridgette said while the group generally received strong support from the community, they'd also been targeted by "keyboard warriors" since launching a new fundraising drive.
"I don't know why they're doing it," Ms Powers said.
"Keyboard warriors have been putting nasty comments up on our Facebook page.
The not-for-profit group has been experiencing financial pressures, with rising fuel and feed costs.
It is based at Landsborough, but the landlord is selling up so they are now trying to raise money to purchase of a new property.
"We need an extra $200,000 to buy a property in the name of Twinnies Pelican Seabird Rescue Inc," Helen said.
"And that will always remain ... once we're all gone off the planet we want it so the work will continue on.
"Or otherwise we'll have to close down and what a shame, and the knowledge that would be lost."
Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue has been running for 22 years.
Bridgette said she and her sister were determined to keep going despite the setbacks they had suffered.
"It's going to take a long time to relocate," Ms Powers said.
"A big cost ... a big move ... but we'll do it."
