Kenya - Mysterious deaths of elephants near the Amboseli National Park - Toxicology testing has detected cyanide

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Mysterious deaths of elephants in Kenya prompts urgent inquiry

6 hours ago

Kaleb Moges
BBC Africa, Nairobi

An urgent investigation has been launched into the mysterious deaths of 15 elephants in southern Kenya near the Amboseli National Park.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) told the BBC that experts were examining the carcasses and said that tissue samples had been sent to laboratories to determine whether the deaths were caused by disease, poisoning or another factor.
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Officials say this is the first time in decades that elephant mortalities on this scale have been recorded in the region where they have successfully cracked down on poaching.

KWS says there is currently no evidence pointing to a single cause of death.

The carcasses include elephants of different ages and sexes, suggesting the deaths are not limited to a single family or demographic.

The KWS said the deaths occurred over a month between 24 June and 24 July 2026.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3w0d7yeqlxo
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KWS Detects Potential Toxic Substance in Dead Amboseli Elephants

by Joseph Ogungo on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 - 8:01 pm

The Kenya Wildlife Service issued a crucial update after 15 elephants were reported to have died inside Amboseli National Park within one month.

In a statement released on Tuesday, July 28, KWS said the deaths are linked to a possible toxic substance after 10 elephants displayed similar clinical signs before their deaths, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand.

The affected elephants reportedly died within one to two days after developing the condition.

"Between 24th June and 24th July 2026, 15 elephant deaths were recorded in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area. Of these, 10 elephants exhibited similar clinical signs, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand before dying within one to two days," KWS stated.
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https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/125672-kws-detects-potential-toxic-substance-dead-amboseli-elephants

 

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Cyanide in tomato pesticide killed 15 elephants, Kenyan officials suspect

2 days ago

Richard Kagoeand and Kaleb Moges, BBC Africa, Nairobi

Fifteen elephants found dead in southern Kenya outside the Amboseli National Park are suspected to have been poisoned by eating tomatoes that had been sprayed with pesticides on nearby farms.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) says preliminary laboratory tests found cyanide in samples taken from the animals' carcasses.
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Investigations are continuing, but for the time being wildlife officials have ruled out foul play.
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Seeking to reassure the public, wildlife authorities have told local media the toxic substances eaten by the elephants pose no immediate risk to humans.

This incident has raised concerns about expanding farming activities near the park as elephants often stray on to farmland in search of food and water.
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The KWS said the deaths had occurred over a month between 24 June and 24 July 2026.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9e0v5xmdyo
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IFAW

Response to detected cyanide poisoning in elephant deaths

30 July 2026

Preliminary laboratory tests indicating cyanide poisoning in the deaths of 15 elephants in Kenya's Amboseli ecosystem are deeply concerning.

The loss of these elephants is a major setback for one of Africa's key elephant populations and highlights the devastating impact toxic substances can have on wildlife, livestock, people, and ecosystems. IFAW supports efforts by wildlife authorities, rangers, veterinarians, researchers, and local communities to investigate this incident and determine the circumstances of these deaths.

The incident reinforces the urgent need to address the root causes of human-wildlife conflict. As people and elephants increasingly share space, protecting wildlife and safeguarding communities' livelihoods must go hand in hand.

"The reported cyanide poisoning by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) must be urgently and thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be held fully accountable under the law," said Ben Wandago, IFAW East Africa Director.

"This tragedy also underscores the urgent need for the strict control and responsible handling of highly toxic substances to prevent them from entering the natural environment. Preventing future tragedies requires sustained investment in practical coexistence solutions that support communities living alongside wildlife, including early warning systems, crop protection, and community engagement. These proven approaches help reduce conflict, protect livelihoods, and safeguard both people and wildlife."

Elephants are ecosystem engineers that help maintain healthy landscapes supporting biodiversity, local livelihoods, and climate resilience. Their future depends on strong partnerships between governments, conservation organisations, local communities, and the private sector to reduce conflict, protect connected landscapes, and promote lasting coexistence.

IFAW stands with our partners in Kenya and supports every effort to fully investigate this incident, strengthen protections for wildlife, and advance long-term solutions that enable people and elephants to coexist safely.

https://www.ifaw.org/au/press-releases/statement-reported-15-elephant-deaths-amboseli
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Big Life Foundation
1d ·

STATEMENT ON AMBOSELI ELEPHANT DEATHS

Over the last month, there has been a string of worrying, unexplained elephant deaths in the Amboseli Ecosystem. The first death was recorded on June 25th, and since then we have recorded 8 deaths in the areas patrolled by Big Life rangers. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has reported a total of 15 deaths, including those in Amboseli National Park.

KWS has taken samples from multiple carcasses to determine the cause of death. We have refrained from any public comment while we waited for the announcement of the laboratory results, which have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Toxicology testing has detected cyanide in the samples, and KWS has concluded that this is the most likely cause of death, pending further testing to determine if the cyanide concentrations were high enough to be lethal (some plant species produce cyanide and so the substance can be present in herbivores at non-lethal levels).

While there is currently much speculation about the source of the toxin, there is no clear evidence of where it came from, or whether it was intentionally introduced or not.

The most recent death was 8 days ago, and so we hope that the threat has now passed. We are monitoring all of the affected areas and elephants extremely closely. We are also working hard with KWS and other partners to identify the source of the toxin.

We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and concern for Amboseli's wildlife.

: Jeremy Goss

https://www.facebook.com/biglifefou...nth-there-has-been-a-string/1443742357785323/
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Mysterious elephant deaths in Kenya leave experts searching for answers

By Ilaria Federico & AFP
Published on 15/08/2026 - 4:34 GMT+2
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At least 19 elephants have died since June in a wildlife region of southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border and Mount Kilimanjaro. The local operations head says the number has now reached 20, while authorities continue trying to establish the cause.

Early tests have suggested cyanide poisoning from pesticides used on nearby farmland. But local wildlife experts say they are not convinced, as other animals feeding on the elephant carcasses have not shown signs of poisoning.

According to Patrick Papatiti, head of operations for Olgulului communal lands, the elephants have reportedly suffered difficulty walking and breathing, as well as restlessness, before becoming unable to stand. "They lie down until they die. At times, you would find one struggling for a day, struggling for two or even three days until they completely die."
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While some initial tests have suggested cyanide poisoning, Papatiti says the behaviour of scavengers around the carcasses raises questions about that explanation.

"We have no idea. We are still struggling with our thinking and thoughts around what is happening. We have seen hyenas eating the carcasses and they don't die. We have seen vultures feeding on the carcasses and they don't die. We have seen flies landing on the carcasses. They feast, get happy and leave. So we have no idea what this is. "
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https://www.euronews.com/2026/08/15...-in-kenya-leave-experts-searching-for-answers