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Erustus Kanga reports that 15 elephants in Kenya's Amboseli National Park may have been poisoned by cyanide-contaminated tomatoes.

Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga reported that 15 elephants in Kenya's Amboseli National Park may have been poisoned by cyanide-contaminated tomatoes. The deaths occurred over the past month in the Kimana Sanctuary and Kuku Ranch areas surrounding the park. Preliminary laboratory tests from the University of Nairobi detected a potential toxic substance, while separate analyses by the Government Chemist were initially negative. However, Kanga noted that cyanide is a highly toxic chemical for elephants. The investigation is ongoing to determine if the elephants were exposed to a community source, such as water or other environmental contaminants. Authorities have confirmed that the deaths are not limited to a single family or demographic, affecting both female elephants and their calves. While the contamination poses a risk to local livestock, such as goats and cattle, officials have reassured the public that there is no evidence the condition can be transmitted to humans.

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