Cape Town – The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has concluded its investigation into the alleged killing of an owl, determining that there was no human involvement.
The NSPCA confirmed that the owl died from injuries sustained after colliding with a glass windowpane.
This follows a complaint received on 9 October, reporting that an owl had allegedly been killed at the Midrand Bottling Plant of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA).
The complainant claimed that “a Barn Owl (Tyto alba) had entered the CCBSA facility on 8 October 2025 and was subsequently killed.”
In response to the allegations, the NSPCA launched an immediate investigation due to the potential violations of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and relevant biodiversity legislation.
Outcome of NSPCA Investigation into the Death of a Barn Owl at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
🔗Read the full story here: https://t.co/31NQQ3om93 #NSPCA #SPCA #CocaCola #Owl #AnimalWelfare #WildlifeProtection
— NSPCA South Africa (@NSPCA_SA) October 30, 2025
Following initial contact with CCBSA, the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit conducted a comprehensive investigation, which included:
-
Interviewing employees of CCBSA and The Coca-Cola Company;
-
Examining the post-mortem report;
-
Reviewing all documentation and CCTV footage provided by CCBSA; and
-
Conducting an on-site inspection of the Midrand bottling plant by Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter and Inspector Schroeder of the NSPCA Wildlife Protection Unit.
Findings of the investigation:
-
On the night of 7 October 2025, employees observed the owl flying inside the facility and contacted the contracted bird control service provider for assistance.
-
At 22:35, the owl flew into an internal glass windowpane and continued flying within the premises.
-
After not being seen for some time, the owl was captured on CCTV at 00:24 on 8 October, colliding heavily with another internal glass door and falling to the ground, appearing injured in a corner of a room.
-
The owl briefly regained consciousness before succumbing to its injuries. It was later found deceased by an employee at 02:20.
-
Later that morning, the service provider contacted an owl rescue organisation for assistance, but the request was cancelled after it was confirmed that the owl had already died.
-
CCBSA subsequently contacted the Gauteng Department of Environment for authorisation to move the carcass and transported it to Johannesburg Zoo, where an autopsy was conducted.
“The post-mortem, conducted on 9 October, identified internal bleeding within the skull, consistent with impact trauma, which likely caused fatal brain injury. There was no evidence of deliberate harm.
*”Accordingly, after reviewing the full evidence – including CCTV footage viewed first-hand by the NSPCA – there is no indication of a contravention of the Animals Protection Act or relevant biodiversity laws.
“The evidence confirms that the owl’s death resulted from an accidental collision, with no human involvement or intent,” said the NSPCA.
CCBSA and The Coca-Cola Company fully cooperated with the NSPCA and provided unrestricted access to documentation, footage, and premises. Their transparency assisted in the investigation’s thorough conclusion.
*”While the loss of wildlife remains deeply regrettable, such incidents highlight the growing overlap between industrial operations and natural habitats.
“The NSPCA will continue to engage with CCBSA on proactive measures to reduce risks to all animals in the future, including reviewing existing Standard Operating Procedures and providing practical recommendations to help protect animals that may enter industrial sites,” the NSPCA concluded.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
