Fifteen elephants have died in Amboseli National Park in just one month, setting off investigations into a mystery that wildlife experts are yet to explain and raising fresh concern over the health of one of Kenya's largest elephant populations.
As laboratory tests continue, local leaders are pressing the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to quickly establish what killed the animals and make the findings public.
KWS said the deaths occurred between June 24 and July 24, with 10 of the elephants displaying the same symptoms before they died. The agency said the affected animals developed partial paralysis, leaving them unable to stand before dying within one to two days.
According to KWS, the cases mainly involved adult female elephants and their calves, with only one adult male among the reported deaths.
Veterinary experts from Nairobi, Tsavo and Amboseli were deployed to investigate the incident and collect samples for laboratory testing.
Early analysis by the University of Nairobi found a potential toxic substance in samples taken from several of the elephants. KWS said further quantitative analysis is being carried out to establish the level of the substance and whether it is linked to the deaths.
The agency also said initial tests conducted by the Government Chemist did not detect the toxic substances that had been screened, but additional tests for other possible toxins are still underway.
Besides laboratory examinations, KWS said investigations have been extended to the park's environment, including testing water sources. The agency added that there is no evidence showing the incident poses a risk to human health.
A KWS ranger, who spoke to the Nation on condition of anonymity, said the elephants had been closely monitored after showing signs of illness.
The ranger said the carcasses were buried within the park after post-mortem examinations and sample collection were completed.
“Vets tried to treat the animals, but they did not respond. Initially, muscle fatigue was suspected, but the treatment was unsuccessful. After all the required veterinary procedures, including collecting additional samples, the carcasses were buried inside the park. This is the highest number of elephants to die within such a short period in the Amboseli ecosystem,” the ranger said.
Paul Wambi, the former Assistant Director in charge of the Amboseli Ecosystem and now head of the Southern Conservation Area, confirmed there had been a suspected disease outbreak before his transfer but said the situation had been contained. He, however, disputed the reported number of elephant deaths without giving official figures.
KWS Head of Communications Duncan Juma said laboratory analysis is still ongoing.
“The samples were taken to the Government Chemist and we are still awaiting the results,” he said.
The deaths have also worried leaders in Kajiado County, led by Governor Joseph ole Lenku, who called on KWS to immediately release the outcome of the investigations.
They warned that the unexplained deaths could point to a wider threat facing the thousands of elephants that roam the Amboseli ecosystem.
“ KWS should release the report on what caused the deaths of the 15 elephants. Communities have coexisted with these animals for decades, and we have never witnessed such a large number dying within such a short time,” Lenku said during a meeting with residents at the weekend.
Kajiado Senator Samuel Seki also criticised KWS, accusing the agency of using the courts to delay the transfer of the park to the county government.