Kenyan wildlife authorities have launched an investigation into the deaths of 16 elephants in the Amboseli-Kimana ecosystem, with preliminary findings indicating suspected cyanide poisoning.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the elephant deaths occurred between June 24 and July 31, with most of the affected animals being adult females and calves. Officials reported that the elephants displayed symptoms including weakness and partial paralysis of the hind limbs before dying.
“KWS is committed to establishing the facts and keeping the public informed throughout the investigation,” KWS Director General Erustus Kanga said in a statement on Friday.
The agency also sought to reassure tourists and the tourism industry, stressing that Amboseli National Park remains open and is operating normally.
According to KWS, preliminary laboratory tests conducted by the University of Nairobi suggest that cyanide poisoning is the most likely cause of the deaths.
Authorities said further testing is underway to confirm the findings, determine how the elephants were exposed to the toxin, and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.