The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed that investigations into the deaths of 16 elephants in Amboseli National Park are near conclusion, with preliminary laboratory findings pointing to cyanide poisoning.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement on Friday, August 7, KWS said the elephant deaths were reported between June 24 and July 31, 2026, across the wider Amboseli-Kimana-Kitenden area.

The wildlife service noted that the affected animals were mainly adult females and calves that showed signs of weakness and partial paralysis in their hind limbs before dying.

KWS said it immediately deployed veterinary and scientific teams from Nairobi , Tsavo and Amboseli after the first case was reported on June 24.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to the agency, the teams conducted post-mortem examinations, collected samples for laboratory analysis and intensified disease surveillance across the affected ecosystem.

KWS disclosed that preliminary laboratory analysis by the University of Nairobi identified cyanide poisoning as the probable cause of the elephant deaths.

However, KWS emphasised that confirmatory tests are still underway to validate the findings and establish the exact source of exposure.

The wildlife agency revealed that it had requested the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) to lead a multi-agency technical team to investigate whether pest control chemicals were improperly used or disposed.

Investigators are also examining whether water, soil or forage may have been contaminated, as well as the possible role of giant star grass, which is a cyanogenic plant species that could have contributed to the deaths.

"The Kenya Wildlife Service is committed to establishing the facts and keeping the public informed every step of the way," said KWS Director General Erustus Kanga.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke