15 Elephants Die in Kenya's Amboseli, Suspected Cyanide

Fifteen elephants in Kenya's Amboseli National Park died over a one-month period from suspected cyanide poisoning, raising urgent concerns about human-wildlife conflict and chemical safety. Preliminary laboratory tests detected cyanide in samples collected from the animals, and postmortem examinations found tomatoes and watermelons in their stomachs, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

The elephants died between June 24 and July 24 across the Amboseli ecosystem. Ten of the animals reportedly showed similar symptoms, including partial paralysis, difficulty breathing, and an inability to stand, before dying within one or two days. Veterinary officials said further quantitative tests are ongoing to determine the exact concentration of cyanide before final conclusions are drawn.

The incident has sparked a dispute over the source of the poison. Wildlife authorities have not ruled out deliberate poisoning but are investigating whether the elephants consumed contaminated produce from nearby farms. The Kimana area, a major agricultural region bordering the park, produces tomatoes, onions, and French beans for markets including Nairobi. However, local farmers strongly deny...