Amboseli Elephant Death Toll Rises to 16 as KWS Investigates Suspected Poisoning

NAIROBI, Kenya — The number of elephants that have died in the Amboseli National Park ecosystem has risen to 16, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed, as investigations continue into the cause of the deaths.

In a statement issued on Friday, KWS said one additional elephant death was recorded between July 24 and July 31, bringing the total number of reported deaths since June 24 to 16.

The wildlife agency assured the public and tourism stakeholders that Amboseli National Park remains safe and fully operational, adding that investigations so far have not revealed evidence of an infectious or transmissible disease.

“KWS wishes to assure the public and tourism stakeholders that Amboseli National Park remains safe and fully operational,” the agency said, noting that the findings do not indicate a wider threat to wildlife or visitors.

However, KWS said it is awaiting completion of confirmatory laboratory tests before determining the definitive cause of each elephant death.

Preliminary analysis conducted by the University of Nairobi has pointed to cyanide poisoning as a possible cause in the cases examined. The agency said additional testing is required to link laboratory findings to individual cases and establish how the elephants may have been exposed to the toxic substance.

The affected elephants, reported between June 24 and July 31 across the Amboseli-Kimana-Kitenden ecosystem, were mainly adult females and calves. According to KWS, some of the animals displayed signs of weakness and partial paralysis before their deaths.

KWS said veterinary and scientific teams have been deployed to investigate the incident, with support from the Government Chemist and the University of Nairobi in conducting toxicological, microbiological and environmental assessments.

The investigations include testing water sources and other possible environmental contaminants within the ecosystem.

The wildlife agency has also requested the Pest Control Products Board to lead a multi-agency inquiry into possible misuse, improper storage or disposal of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals in areas surrounding Amboseli.

Investigators are also examining whether giant star grass, a cyanogenic plant species capable of producing toxic compounds under certain conditions, could have contributed to the deaths.

KWS said it has increased ranger patrols, elephant monitoring and veterinary surveillance throughout the Amboseli ecosystem as investigations continue.

The agency pledged to provide further updates once additional scientific findings become available.