Kenya Investigates Alleged Cyanide Poisoning After Death of 16 Elephants in Amboseli National Park

Kenya's wildlife authorities are investigating a suspected cyanide poisoning following the death of 16 elephants in the Amboseli-Kimana ecosystem over the past six weeks, while officials on Friday sought to reassure the public that the country's flagship Amboseli National Park remains safe for visitors.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the deaths of the elephants were recorded between June 24 and July 31.

Most of the dead animals were adult female elephants and baby elephants who showed signs of weakness and partial paralysis in the hind legs before eventually dying.

"The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is committed to uncovering the truth and continues to provide information to the public at every stage of this process," said KWS Director General Erustus Kanga, in a statement on Friday, launching Anadolu (7/8).

According to the agency, initial laboratory analysis conducted by the University of Nairobi indicates that cyanide poisoning is likely to be the cause of death of the elephants examined.

The KWS stated that further testing was being carried out to match the laboratory findings with the records of each elephant case and to track how the animals were exposed to the poison.

KWS said that veterinary and scientific teams from Nairobi, Tsavo, and Amboseli had been deployed since the first case was detected on June 24 to examine affected animals, conduct post-mortem examinations (necropsies), take samples, and conduct disease surveillance.

Toxicological, microbiological, and environmental analyses are also being carried out.

The agency stated that a cross-agency technical team was investigating whether pesticides or other crop protection chemicals had been used, stored, or disposed of improperly in the Kimana, Kuku, Kitenden, and wider Amboseli ecosystems.

In addition, the investigation team is also examining whether contaminated water or Cynodon plectostachyus - a type of grass containing cyanogen - may have contributed to the alleged poisoning.

KWS is also working to allay concerns about the impact of this incident on the tourism sector by stating, "KWS assures the public and tourism industry players that Amboseli National Park remains open and operates normally."

KWS stated that the findings so far did not indicate any infectious disease, thus alleviating concerns that the death was caused by an outbreak that attacked wildlife.

Amboseli National Park, located about 240 kilometers (149 miles) southeast of Kenya's capital, Nairobi, is one of Africa's most famous wildlife destinations and is internationally recognized for its large elephant population and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The agency that manages wildlife said it would continue to provide the latest information as soon as verified data is available, and urged the public who have credible information about the incident to report it through their official communication channels.