Wildlife authorities in Kenya have continued their investigations into the elephant deaths. The investigations regarding the mysterious deaths of elephants in the Amboseli-Kimana ecosystem have only been slowly escalating in the past few days. The unexplained circumstances surrounding the unfortunate deaths of at least 20 elephants remain a serious issue for many citizens.
Reported as the latest incident which took place on August 19 this year, a male elephant in Kajiado County collapsed and flailed before dying, adding to the growing number of unexplained elephant deaths in the Amboseli-Kimana ecosystem. Footage gained from the area showed how elephant herds were feeding on tree branches near the carcass of a dead elephant, while authorities continued their investigation into the cause of the deaths.
The University of Nairobi, which conducted a preliminary laboratory analysis, has indicated that cyanide poisoning could be the probable cause of the deaths. However, investigations are ongoing to determine how the elephants were exposed to the substance and if it caused their deaths.
The deaths have been reported across the wider Amboseli ecosystem, including Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and surrounding community areas. Earlier investigations found that several elephants experienced symptoms including partial paralysis and an inability to stand before dying within one or two days.
Farmland which is nearby has also been included in the investigation. Tomatoes in the area were examined due to fears that contaminated crops may have caused the deaths. Footage from August 19 showed people collecting tomatoes, while cattle were also seen feeding on tomatoes in the affected area.
The deaths found in Amboseli have become a major concern for Kenya’s efforts in wildlife conservation, known internationally for its large elephant population and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Authorities have urged members of the public with credible information to report it while further laboratory and environmental investigations continue. Until those tests are completed, the precise cause of the deaths remains unresolved.
