Fifteen elephants have died in southern Kenya over the past month, with wildlife authorities suspecting cyanide poisoning after the animals consumed tomatoes from farms bordering Amboseli National Park. Preliminary laboratory tests detected cyanide, a highly toxic substance particularly for elephants, according to Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga.
The park is situated in an area where farming and livestock raising are common. While the specific source of the contamination has not been identified, farmers in the region have previously been suspected of poisoning elephants to protect their crops. Authorities have not yet named any suspects in this case.
The Kenya Wildlife Service issued a warning that the contamination could have broader implications, as local livestock, including goats and cattle, also graze in the vicinity. Kanga expressed concern about a potentially larger impact on the local animal population if the contamination is widespread.
Officials stated that the toxic substances detected in the deceased elephants do not pose an immediate threat to human health.