Tragedy in Midrand: Owl Killed at Coca-Cola Plant
A barn owl’s death at Coca-Cola South Africa’s Midrand bottling plant last week has sparked outrage from conservationists, animal welfare groups, and the public alike. Brendan Murray of the Owl Rescue Centre revealed that the incident was entirely preventable.
“The owl death at Coca-Cola Midrand completely floored us,” Murray told local media. According to him, production at the plant halted as staff discovered the owl. Instead of coordinating with wildlife experts, the company called a pest control firm to handle the situation. By the time the Owl Rescue Centre arrived, the bird had already been killed.
Corporate Response or Lack Thereof
The incident has drawn attention from the NSPCA, which confirmed it is investigating Coca-Cola South Africa’s actions. “When we try to get hold of them, they just cut our calls,” said a council spokesperson, highlighting a lack of transparency and accountability.
Murray criticized the company’s handling of the situation, arguing that it reflects a broader culture of prioritizing profit over preservation. “It has no respect for indigenous wildlife and was unwilling to lose revenue by rescuing the owl correctly,” he said.
Profits, Plant Closures, and Controversy
Coca-Cola South Africa is already under scrutiny for financial reasons. In September 2025, the company announced plans to restructure, cutting 680 jobs and closing plants in Bloemfontein and East London due to declining profits and changing consumption patterns. The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) has criticized Coca-Cola for failing to engage employees properly in these discussions.
While corporate restructuring may explain some decisions, it doesn’t excuse the preventable death of a native bird, particularly one that plays a vital role in natural pest control.
Social Media Erupts: Calls for a Boycott
The news quickly ignited debate online. South Africans voiced their anger on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), linking the incident to broader concerns about corporate ethics and environmental responsibility.
Tasha Sloan wrote: “That’s the last Coke for me.” Meanwhile, Robyn Eshelby-Theart commented: “The owl situation means there were rats in the plant. Ironically, the owl was doing pest control of its own. I will literally stop buying Coca-Cola now.”
Many users highlighted the irony of a natural pest controller being killed, while others called for sustained public pressure and a nationwide boycott to send a message about corporate responsibility.
More Than Just an Owl: A Wake-Up Call
This tragic event is more than a story about a single bird. It’s a symbol of systemic issues in corporate South Africa, where profit, operational efficiency, and brand image can sometimes take precedence over ethics and environmental stewardship.
For Gauteng residents and South Africans watching online, the Midrand owl’s death has become a touchpoint for a larger conversation: How much responsibility do corporations owe to the communities, ecosystems, and wildlife they interact with?
As investigations continue, the public debate rages on, with some calling for accountability and reform, while others push for a tangible response through consumer action.
Source: The South African
Featured Image: X{@ParamClicks}
