Kenya investigates the death of 15 elephants: poisoning suspected

Between June 24 and July 24 of this year, 15 elephants were found dead in the Kimana Sanctuary reserve and the Kuku Ranch adjacent to Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Authorities are currently investigating the causes of their deaths to rule out possible infection or poisoning.

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, ten of the dead elephants exhibited signs of paralysis before dying. The cases were reported by the newspaper The Guardian.

Due to the decomposition of the bodies and the activity of vultures, conservationists are finding it difficult to determine the cause of death for the remaining five elephants. Among the deceased, only one adult male was found, while the others were females and calves.

Conflicting research results

Preliminary analysis by the University of Nairobi revealed signs of “a potentially toxic substance”, but studies conducted by a state laboratory did not confirm this finding. Additional tests are currently underway at the request of the Kenya Wildlife Service.

“Ecological studies are also being conducted, including analysis of water sources and other potential environmental pollutants, to determine if the elephants could have been exposed to a common source of pollution,” the agency’s statement said.

Kenya has previously faced poaching incidents where criminals poisoned water sources. According to conservationists, this is the first case in decades where elephants have died on such a scale. Amboseli National Park, which borders Tanzania, is one of the most renowned elephant habitats in Kenya, home to approximately 2,000 animals.

Source: Dagens Nyheter