Outcome of NSPCA Investigation into the Death of a Barn Owl at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa

Following the receipt of a complaint on 9 October 2025, alleging that an owl had been killed at the Midrand Bottling Plant of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (“CCBSA”), the National Council of SPCAs (“NSPCA”) has formally concluded its independent investigation into the matter.

The complaint alleged that a Barn Owl (Tyto alba) had entered the CCBSA facility on 8 October 2025 and was subsequently killed. The NSPCA immediately initiated an investigation, given the potential implications under both the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and applicable biodiversity legislation.

After 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;
• Examination of the post-mortem report;
• Review of all documentation and CCTV footage provided by CCBSA; and
• An on-site inspection of the Midrand bottling plant by NSPCA Wildlife Protection Unit’s Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter and Inspector Schroeder.

Based on the investigation and the verified evidence, the following was established:

• During 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 a period, the owl is observed on the CCTV at 00:24 on 8 October, when it collided heavily with another internal glass door and fell to the ground, appearing injured, in a corner of a room.
• The owl briefly regained consciousness sometime thereafter, before succumbing to its injuries and 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 took 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.

Throughout the investigation, CCBSA and The Coca-Cola Company extended full cooperation to the NSPCA, providing unrestricted access to documentation, footage, and premises. This transparency and willingness to engage assisted 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’s investigation is hereby concluded.