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Erustus Kanga Confirms Cyanide Poisoning Suspected in Deaths of Fifteen Elephants Near Kenya's Amboseli National Park

Erustus Kanga, the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, confirmed that fifteen elephants died in southern Kenya over the past month due to suspected cyanide poisoning. The animals, located near Amboseli National Park, likely ingested the toxic chemical while feeding on tomatoes from neighboring farms. Preliminary laboratory tests on the carcasses revealed traces of cyanide, a highly toxic compound often used as a pest fumigant and predator control poison. Ten of the elephants exhibited signs of partial paralysis before dying within two days of consumption. While wildlife officials have ruled out foul play for now, the incident highlights the growing impact of expanding agricultural activities near the park. Kanga warned that the contamination could eventually affect local livestock, such as cattle and goats, that graze in the same areas. Authorities reassured the public that the toxic substances pose no immediate risk to human health. The deaths represent a significant cluster of mortality for the region, which has successfully reduced poaching over recent decades.

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