The recent deaths of 15 elephants near a park in southern Kenya over the past month were likely caused by the animals ingesting pesticides, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Erustus Kanga, the agency’s director general, stated that analysis of samples from the carcasses found traces of cyanide.
Cyanide is a chemical compound used in farming as a predator control poison and pest fumigant. Kanga noted that if elephants consume cyanide, they cannot survive for long. Isaac Lekolool, head of veterinary and capture services at KWS, mentioned that the stomach contents of one elephant included "lots of tomatoes," suggesting agrochemical poisoning.
The deaths occurred in the Kimana sanctuary and Kuku Group ranch areas around Amboseli national park, an ecosystem home to over 1,600 elephants. Kimana town is a significant tomato producer, where researchers have previously reported the use of a cyanide substance on crops.
Kanga warned that the effects could extend to a wider population, as livestock may also feed from farms in the area. The KWS announced on Tuesday that it was investigating the deaths of elephants between June 24 and July 24, noting that 10 of them showed signs of partial paralysis before dying.