NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan wildlife authorities are investigating the deaths of 15 elephants found over the past month near Amboseli National Park after preliminary laboratory tests detected cyanide, raising concerns about possible poisoning and the risk of exposure to livestock.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the elephants are suspected to have consumed tomatoes contaminated with cyanide from farms bordering the national park, where elephants frequently leave protected areas in search of food.
Authorities have not determined how the tomatoes became contaminated or identified who may be responsible.
Preliminary Tests Detect Cyanide
Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga said initial laboratory findings detected cyanide in samples collected from the deceased elephants.
Kanga described cyanide as highly toxic, particularly to elephants, and said additional investigations are underway to confirm the cause of death and determine the source of the contamination.
Officials have not said whether the contamination was accidental or deliberate.
Previous incidents in Kenya have involved farmers suspected of poisoning elephants to deter them from entering agricultural land and damaging crops. Authorities have not linked the current case to those earlier incidents.
Authorities Assess Risks to Wildlife and Livestock
The investigation has expanded beyond the elephant deaths because the farms surrounding Amboseli National Park are also used for livestock grazing.
Kanga warned that goats, cattle and other domestic animals could also be exposed if contaminated produce or vegetation is accessible in the affected areas.
Officials are assessing whether the suspected contamination extends beyond the locations where the elephants were found.
Investigation Continues
The Kenya Wildlife Service said investigators are working to determine the source of the cyanide and evaluate any broader environmental impacts.
Authorities also are examining whether additional wildlife may have been exposed.
The agency said the toxic substances detected in the elephants do not pose an immediate threat to human health based on information currently available, while the investigation continues.
The findings remain preliminary, and officials have not announced a final determination regarding the cause of the elephants’ deaths or whether any criminal activity was involved.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
