Authorities investigating bird deaths at Johannesburg’s Zoo Lake

An investigation has been launched following the discovery of dead geese and other birds at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg.

As confirmed by the Zoo Lake Users Committee, the carcasses of more than 20 waterbirds – including Egyptian geese – were discovered at Zoo Lake on Sunday, 1 November 2026.

This prompted concerned park visitors and residents to raise the alarm.

JOHANNESBURG DEPARTMENTS INVESTIGATE

As of Monday, 2 November, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s (JCPZ’s) Environmental Conservation team collected and removed the dead birds from the lake.

To establish the cause of death, veterinarians from the Johannesburg Zoo will conduct post-mortem examinations on selected carcasses.

Meanwhile, teams from JCPZ Conservation and Operations, the City’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department and Johannesburg Water have collected water samples from the site.

POSSIBLE CAUSE OF DEATH

The JCPZ surmise that seasonal avian botulism, a disease fatal to birds, might have caused these birds’ deaths.

“Seasonal avian botulism is among the suspected causes, particularly during the current hot conditions,” said the JCPZ, per a media statement. “Warmer water and decomposing organic matter can create conditions favourable for the production of toxins that affect waterbirds.”

So far, avian botulism has not yet been confirmed, as they await the veterinary findings and water-quality testing results.

“Water-quality testing falls within the environmental oversight function of [the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department],” the JCPZ continued. “While testing provides information about conditions at the time of sampling, it cannot, on its own, predict every wildlife mortality incident. The timing of the deaths, preceding conditions and any available warning signs still need to be established through the investigation.”

JOHANNESBURG RESIDENTS ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION

With the investigation underway, JCPZ reminds residents that the city’s urban dams and lakes are man-made and receive stormwater run-off. This can carry pollutants, litter and organic waste.

Hence, the appearance of clear water shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee that it’s safe to swim in or fish from.

For the sake of precaution, you are strongly encouraged to:

• Refrain from swimming in these water bodies or consuming fish caught in them.
• Keep children and pets away from dead or visibly distressed wildlife.
• Avoid handling dead birds or fish.
• Report dead birds, distressed waterbirds and fish kills to emi@jhbcityparks.com. Ensure that you provide the exact location and photographs where possible.

In other news, the SAHRC has raised concerns about corruption linked to water tanker contracts in Gauteng.