The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) says it is investigating the deaths of 16 elephants in the wider Amboseli-Kimana ecosystem after preliminary laboratory findings pointed to cyanide poisoning as the probable cause.
In a statement issued on Friday, KWS said the elephant mortalities were reported between June 24 and July 31, with the affected animals mainly being adult females and calves that exhibited weakness and partial paralysis of their hind limbs.
The agency said it immediately deployed veterinary and scientific teams from Nairobi, Tsavo and Amboseli after the first case was reported on June 24.
The teams conducted post-mortem examinations, collected samples and initiated disease surveillance while working alongside the Government Chemist and the University of Nairobi to carry out toxicological, microbiological and other laboratory analyses.
According to KWS, preliminary laboratory analysis by the University of Nairobi indicates cyanide poisoning as the likely cause in the cases examined. However, the agency said it is awaiting confirmatory test results to match laboratory findings with individual case records and establish the source and pathway of exposure.
As part of the investigations, KWS said it requested the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) on July 30 to lead a multi-agency technical team to determine whether pest control products or crop protection chemicals may have contaminated water, soil or forage within the Amboseli ecosystem.
The agency is also examining whether giant star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus), a cyanogenic plant species, may have contributed to the elephants’ exposure.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service is committed to establishing the facts and keeping the public informed every step of the way,” said KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga.
KWS noted that surveillance, ranger patrols and veterinary monitoring have been intensified across the ecosystem to prevent further elephant deaths and safeguard wildlife and visitors.
The agency added that investigations conducted so far do not indicate an infectious or transmissible disease and assured the public that Amboseli National Park remains open and is operating normally.
KWS said it will continue providing updates as more verified information becomes available and urged members of the public with credible information about the incident to report it through its toll-free line, WhatsApp or official email channels.
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