NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has detected a potential toxic substance in samples collected from elephants that died in the Amboseli ecosystem, as investigations continue into the unexplained deaths of 15 elephants recorded within a month.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, KWS said preliminary laboratory findings suggest the deaths may be linked to a toxic agent, although further scientific analysis is required before a definitive cause can be established.
Fifteen Elephant Deaths Recorded
According to KWS, 15 elephants died between June 24 and July 24, 2026, in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the neighbouring Kuku Ranch area.
The wildlife agency said 10 of the elephants displayed similar clinical symptoms before dying, raising concerns over a common underlying cause.
“Between 24th June and 24th July 2026, 15 elephant deaths were recorded in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area. Of these, 10 elephants exhibited similar clinical signs, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand before dying within one to two days,” KWS said.
The agency noted that the condition primarily affected adult female elephants and their calves, with only one adult male among the reported deaths.
Laboratory Tests Detect Possible Toxic Substance
Following the initial reports, KWS dispatched veterinary teams from Nairobi, Tsavo and Amboseli to investigate the incident, treat affected animals, conduct post-mortem examinations and collect samples for laboratory testing.
The samples were submitted to the University of Nairobi, the Government Chemist and other specialised laboratories for toxicological and pathological analysis.
According to KWS, preliminary findings from the University of Nairobi detected a possible toxic substance in samples collected from several of the affected elephants.
“Preliminary laboratory findings from the University of Nairobi detected a potential toxic substance in the samples collected from several of the affected elephants,” the agency said.
However, KWS emphasised that additional quantitative analysis is needed to determine the concentration of the substance and establish whether it was responsible for the deaths.
Investigators are also working to identify the possible source of the suspected toxin.
Further Tests Ongoing
The agency said preliminary analyses conducted by the Government Chemist did not detect the toxic substances initially tested for, although additional screening for other potential toxins is continuing.
Meanwhile, five of the elephant carcasses were too decomposed or had been scavenged, preventing veterinarians from determining the cause of death.
Environmental Investigations Underway
KWS has expanded the investigation to include environmental assessments, with experts analysing water sources and other possible environmental contaminants within the affected ecosystem.
The agency has also intensified surveillance across the Amboseli ecosystem while closely monitoring elephant populations for any new cases.
The investigations follow growing public concern after reports emerged of elephant deaths in and around Amboseli National Park.
In an earlier interview, KWS Head of Communication Duncan Wanyama confirmed that the elephants were found in different locations approximately 15 to 30 kilometres from the park’s boundaries.
KWS said investigations remain ongoing and pledged to provide further updates once laboratory analyses are complete and the cause of the deaths has been conclusively established.