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Patrick Papatiti seeks answers as mysterious ailment kills 20 elephants in Kenya's Amboseli National Park

Patrick Papatiti, head of operations for the Olgulului communal lands, is seeking answers as a mysterious ailment kills at least 20 elephants in Kenya's Amboseli National Park. Since June, the herd has displayed symptoms of weakness and partial paralysis, with many animals struggling to breathe before collapsing. While the Kenya Wildlife Service initially suspected cyanide poisoning from illegal pesticides used on nearby farms, many local experts and conservationists have expressed skepticism. Papatiti and other observers noted that scavengers like hyenas and vultures have fed on the carcasses without showing signs of illness, which suggests the deaths may not be caused by a simple chemical toxin. Furthermore, the fact that few adult males died—the group most likely to raid crops—further complicates the pesticide theory. While the Kenya Wildlife Service has not yet confirmed a contagious disease, the investigation remains ongoing to determine whether the cause is a disease, an environmental trigger, or a complex chemical interaction. Authorities are working to identify the risk before it spreads to local livestock and the surrounding community.

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