NAIROBI, Kenya — Fifteen elephants in southern Kenya are suspected to have been poisoned by cyanide-contaminated tomatoes, according to wildlife authorities. These deaths, which occurred over the past month, are being investigated in an area bordering Amboseli National Park, a region where farming and livestock grazing are common practices.
Erustus Kanga, the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, confirmed that laboratory tests detected the presence of cyanide. Describing the substance as a highly toxic chemical, Kanga noted its specific danger to elephant populations. While authorities have not identified who may be responsible for the contamination, there have been historical instances where farmers deliberately poisoned elephants to deter them from encroaching on crops.
The Kenya Wildlife Service has issued a warning regarding the potential for wider ecological consequences. Because the region is used for raising livestock, including goats and cattle, officials expressed concern that the contamination could impact domestic animals as well. According to Kanga, if the presence of the toxin is widespread, the impact on the local ecosystem could be significant. Despite these concerns, wildlife authorities stated that the toxic substances identified in the deceased elephants do not pose an immediate threat to human health.
“Other than the elephants and the wildlife that may be feeding in those fields, we have the local livestock. We have the goats. We have the cattle that are there. Eventually, if this is truly what is in the system, then we are going to see a bigger impact,” Kanga said.
