Kenyan wildlife authorities are investigating the deaths of 15 elephants found near Amboseli National Park. Preliminary evidence suggests the animals were poisoned after eating pesticide-sprayed tomatoes from nearby farms.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said initial laboratory tests detected cyanide in samples taken from the elephants’ carcasses.
According to the agency, 10 elephants were first discovered showing signs of paralysis before dying within two days. However, the remaining five were already dead when wildlife officers reached the scene.
Investigations Ongoing
Although investigations are still ongoing, KWS said there is currently no evidence of deliberate poisoning or poaching. Hence, foul play has been ruled out for the time being.
Authorities believe the elephants may have wandered onto farmland bordering the national park and consumed tomatoes that had been treated with agricultural pesticides.
KWS sought to reassure nearby communities, stating that the contaminated vegetation consumed by the elephants does not pose an immediate threat to human health.
The incident has renewed concerns about increasing agricultural activity around the Amboseli ecosystem. Especially as elephants frequently move beyond protected areas in search of food and water.
The Amboseli ecosystem stretches across southern Kenya and into northern Tanzania. It is internationally recognised for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife.
Officials described the incident as the largest elephant mortality event recorded in the region in decades. Also noting that successful anti-poaching operations have significantly reduced illegal elephant killings in recent years.
The dead animals included elephants of different ages and both sexes, indicating that the deaths were not confined to a single herd or family group.
According to KWS, the deaths occurred over a one-month period between 24 June and 24 July 2026.
Data from the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, which monitors elephant populations in the region, estimated that the Amboseli ecosystem was home to more than 2,000 elephants as of 2025.
Wildlife authorities say investigations will continue to determine the exact source of the contamination.
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