Mystery illness kills 15 elephants across Amboseli ecosystem, tests point to possible toxin

Fifteen elephants die in Amboseli area; preliminary tests flag possible toxin

Fifteen elephants have died across Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem over a one-month period, and preliminary laboratory tests have identified a potential toxic substance in samples taken from some of the animals, local media reported on Wednesday, citing the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Where and when the deaths were recorded

The fatalities were recorded between June 24 and July 24 in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area, according to reporting by The Star. KWS said the carcasses were found at multiple locations “surrounding the park, approximately 15 to 30 km from its boundaries.”

Symptoms, affected animals and necropsies

KWS told Kenyans.co.ke that ten of the elephants developed similar symptoms before dying, including a partial paralysis that left them unable to stand. Those animals died within one to two days after symptoms began. The remaining five carcasses were too badly decomposed or had been scavenged, preventing veterinarians from determining the cause of death.

According to KWS, the reported cases primarily affected adult females and their calves, with only one adult male among the deaths.

Investigations and preliminary lab findings

After the initial incidents, KWS deployed veterinary teams from Nairobi, Tsavo and Amboseli to inspect sites, perform necropsies and collect samples for laboratory testing. Preliminary laboratory findings from the University of Nairobi detected a potential toxic substance in samples collected from several of the affected elephants, KWS said, as quoted by Kenyans.co.ke.

“Importantly, there is no evidence that this incident poses any risk to human health.”

KWS emphasised that further testing is required to determine the concentration of the substance. Environmental investigations are continuing, including testing water sources and screening for other potential contaminants in the affected areas. The agency has also stepped up surveillance across the ecosystem and is closely monitoring elephant populations.

Related KWS operations

Separately, KWS announced it had begun relocating five elephants from Mwea to a protected habitat after months of crop raids in farming communities. Two elephants were successfully translocated on the first day of a six-day operation, the agency said. KWS described the move as designed to reduce conflict between people and wildlife.