An investigation has been launched after 15 elephants died mysteriously in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park region over the past month, wildlife authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reported that ten of the majestic animals exhibited signs of partial paralysis before succumbing within two days.
The remaining five were discovered dead, their carcasses partially consumed by scavengers. The majority of the deceased were female elephants and their calves, with only one male among the fatalities.
The deaths occurred in the Kimana Sanctuary and Kuku Ranch areas surrounding the park.
Preliminary laboratory tests conducted by the University of Nairobi detected a “potential toxic substance” in samples from the elephants.
However, separate analyses by the Government Chemist found no evidence of the specific toxins tested. Further investigations are now underway, including environmental assessments of water
Kenya has previously documented elephant deaths linked to poisoning, often stemming from poaching or human-wildlife conflict.
Authorities have sought to reassure the public, stating there is currently no evidence to suggest the condition could be transmitted to humans.
