Kenya – Over the course of the past four weeks, 15 elephants have died in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. According to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the elephants died in the park between June 24 and July 24; it is suspected they died of poisoning.
All but five of the elephants displayed similar symptoms of partial paralysis leaving them incapable of standing. The impacted elephants have died within days of falling ill.
Five of the elephants were too badly decomposed for any type of necropsy.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) says:
- A University of Nairobi laboratory detected evidence of a potential toxic substance.
- However, tests by the Kenyan Government Chemist were negative for the toxins that were initially examined.
- Additional testing is underway on tissues, water sources, and other environmental samples to determine the cause and whether the elephants were exposed to a common contaminant.
Officials are investigating the area the elephants inhabit to see if a source of contamination can be located. It is unclear if humans have any part in the elephants’ deaths.
Support National Animal News — shop official merchandise to help fund
independent investigations and reporting.
