The fatalities were recorded between June 24 and July 24 in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area
Fifteen elephants have died across Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem over the past month, with preliminary laboratory tests pointing to a possible toxic substance, local media reported on Wednesday, citing the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The fatalities were recorded between June 24 and July 24 in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area, The Star reported.
KWS Head of Communication Duncan Wanyama told Kenyans.co.ke that the elephants were found at multiple locations “surrounding the park, approximately 15 to 30 km from its boundaries.”
Ten of the elephants developed similar symptoms before dying, including a partial paralysis that left them unable to stand. They died within one to two days after the onset of illness, while the remaining five carcasses were too badly decomposed or had been scavenged, preventing veterinarians from determining the cause of death.
