Preliminary tests have detected a potential toxic substance linked to the deaths of at least 29 elephants in southern Kenya over the past month, authorities said.
The Kenya Wildlife Service launched an urgent investigation after carcasses were discovered 15 to 30 kilometres from the borders of Amboseli National Park. Fifteen elephants died in Amboseli, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area between 24 June and 24 July. Another 14 deaths were recorded in the surrounding region. Ten of the animals exhibited partial paralysis before dying within one to two days. Most of the dead were females and calves, with only one adult male among them.
Tissue samples have been sent to the University of Nairobi for analysis, and environmental assessments of water sources are under way. Authorities said there is no risk of transmission to humans.