A vigilant holidaymaker, a dedicated SPCA team and friends of wildlife each played a significant part in giving one frightened and injured marsh owl a second chance at life.
Nigel, South Africa (03 August 2026) – While enjoying a weekend away with his family on the banks of the Vaal Dam, Kaden Carey was alarmed to discover an injured marsh owl by the roadside on Friday afternoon. He quickly contacted the NSPCA, whose Liaison Officer reached out to SPCA Nigel Vice Chair, Angela Morris, asking if the Nigel SPCA could assist.
Without hesitation, Angela and her daughter, Robyn, set off on the long journey. They arrived at 8 pm, carefully collected the frightened young owl, and safely transported him back to Nigel, arriving home at 11:30 pm.
Early on Saturday morning, Angela continued the journey by taking the owl to Friends of Free Wildlife in Kyalami, where an experienced team examined him. The diagnosis revealed a fractured wing, and he is now receiving the specialised medical care he needs.
While his road to recovery has only just begun, he is finally safe, warm, and in the best possible hands. It is all thanks to a vigilant holidaymaker who cared enough to stop and call for assistance, an animal hero who dropped everything to make a long journey to rescue him, and wildlife champions who are giving him expert care and the best chance at a full recovery.
“We are incredibly grateful that we could play a small part in giving this magnificent bird a second chance. Moments like these remind us that animal welfare is built on compassion, teamwork, and people who are willing to go the extra mile, no matter the hour,” Nigel SPCA shared online.
Thanks are extended to the Friends of Free Wildlife team for welcoming the precious bird into their care and for all they do to rehabilitate and protect South Africa’s wildlife.
“We wish this beautiful marsh owl a full and speedy recovery, and we hope to see him soaring through our skies once again,” Nigel SPCA concluded.
Sources: SPCA Nigel
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
Related Stories
There's a Deeper Message About Humanity Hidden in Fossils
Snare Aware Is Watching You! Volunteers Track Poacher Through Tongaat River Valley
by 
