Fifteen elephant deaths at Kenya park may be due to cyanide poisoning
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is investigating the deaths of 15 elephants near Amboseli National Park, suspecting cyanide poisoning from pesticides used on nearby tomato farms. Tests on carcasses found traces of the toxic chemical, and some elephants showed signs of partial paralysis before dying.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the severe environmental impact of agricultural chemicals on wildlife and raises concerns about potential wider ecosystem contamination, including livestock, from toxic substances used in farming.
A KWS investigation found 10 of the elephants had shown signs of partial paralysis before dying and tests had detected a potential toxic substance. A KWS investigation found 10 of the elephants had shown signs of partial paralysis before dying and tests had detected a potential toxic substance. Wildlife Fifteen elephant deaths at Kenya park may be due to cyanide poisoning Analysis of samples collected from carcasses found traces of toxic chemical compound, says Kenya Wildlife Service
Prefer the Guardian on Google The recent deaths of 15 elephants near a park in southern Kenya in the past month were likely caused by the animals ingesting pesticides used on nearby tomato farms, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has said.
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