Fifteen elephants died in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem between June 24 and July 24, 2026, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has reported. Ten of the animals showed similar clinical signs, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand, and died within one to two days. The deaths primarily affected adult females and calves; only one adult male was among the carcasses. Five carcasses were too decomposed or had been scavenged, making it impossible to determine the cause of death. The elephants were found outside Amboseli National Park, between 15 and 30 kilometres from its boundaries, in areas including Kimana Sanctuary and Kuku Ranch.

KWS Director General Erustus Kanga told local media that preliminary laboratory tests had detected cyanide and that the elephants were suspected to have ingested pesticides sprayed on nearby tomato farms. However, other sources report a more cautious picture. The Ghana Report notes that initial analysis by the University of Nairobi detected a “potential toxic substance”, but that government chemist tests were negative for the toxins examined, and further testing is under way. Dagens Nyheter similarly reports that university tests suggested a potential toxic substance while government lab results were negative. The South China Morning Post states that it remains unclear whether human activity played any role. El Espectador quotes KWS as saying there is “no evidence that points to a single factor”.

KWS has warned that if cyanide is confirmed, the contamination could have wider consequences because livestock also graze in the area. The agency has maintained that there is no evidence the incident poses a risk to human health. Authorities are also testing water sources and other potential environmental contaminants to determine whether the elephants were exposed to a common source. The region had previously succeeded in reducing poaching, and officials say it is the first time in decades that elephant deaths on this scale have been recorded in the area.

KWS has said the situation is contained and is working with stakeholders to prevent similar incidents. Rangers and researchers have intensified surveillance across the Amboseli ecosystem. Further laboratory tests are needed to establish the concentration, nature and origin of the suspected poison, and the investigation remains ongoing.