Kenyan wildlife authorities have launched an investigation after 15 elephants were found dead near Amboseli National Park, with preliminary findings indicating they may have consumed tomatoes contaminated with cyanide.
Officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the elephant deaths occurred over the past month in areas bordering the national park, where agricultural land and livestock farming exist alongside wildlife habitats. Initial laboratory examinations detected traces of cyanide, prompting concerns that the toxic substance may have been present in crops consumed by the animals.
Authorities have not identified those responsible for the contamination and have not confirmed whether the poisoning was intentional. However, incidents involving conflict between farmers and elephants have been reported in the past, as wildlife frequently enters farmland in search of food, causing significant crop damage.
KWS Director General Erustus Kanga said cyanide is an extremely poisonous chemical that can rapidly prove fatal to large mammals, including elephants. He added that investigators are continuing scientific analysis to determine the exact source and extent of the contamination.
Officials also warned that the incident could pose a broader environmental threat. Livestock such as cattle and goats often graze in the same agricultural areas, raising concerns that additional animals could be exposed if contaminated crops remain in the fields.
Despite the wildlife losses, authorities emphasized that the substances detected in the deceased elephants do not currently present an immediate risk to public health. Monitoring and testing efforts are continuing as a precaution while investigators assess the surrounding area.
The deaths have renewed attention on the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Kenya, where expanding agriculture increasingly overlaps with elephant migration routes and protected conservation areas. Wildlife experts say finding long-term solutions that safeguard both rural livelihoods and endangered species remains a critical priority.
The Kenya Wildlife Service has not announced any arrests or identified suspects, and investigations remain ongoing.