Kenya Examines Possible Toxin After 15 Elephant Deaths in Amboseli Region

NAIROBI, July 29 - Fifteen elephants died in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem between June 24 and July 24, with early tests finding a possible toxic substance in samples from several animals, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said in a statement late Tuesday.

The wider Amboseli ecosystem covers the national park and nearby community land in southern Kenya close to the Tanzanian border, offering habitat and migration paths for elephants and other wildlife under Mount Kilimanjaro.

Ten elephants displayed similar signs, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand before they died within one to two days, KWS said.

The deaths occurred in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area.

The condition mainly impacted adult females and calves, with just one adult male reported.

KWS said it couldn’t determine the cause of death for five carcasses because they were too decomposed or had been scavenged.

Early analysis by the University of Nairobi identified a possible toxic substance, though more testing was required to confirm its concentration, significance and origin.

Initial checks by the government chemist came back negative for the toxins tested, while additional screening for other potential toxins was ongoing.

Authorities are also examining water sources and other possible environmental contaminants to see whether the elephants were exposed to a shared source.

"Importantly, there is no evidence that this event presents any risk to human health," KWS said, adding that the condition was limited to the elephants affected and there was no sign it could spread to people.