Fifteen elephants have died over the past month in southern Kenya, and wildlife authorities suspect cyanide poisoning from contaminated tomatoes, according to local media reports on Wednesday. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) stated that the elephants likely ingested tomatoes laced with cyanide from nearby farms.
The deaths occurred in the Tsavo region, a known wildlife corridor. KWS officials said they are investigating the source of the contamination but have not named any suspects. Cyanide is sometimes used illegally to poison wildlife in conflicts with farmers.
Conservationists have expressed alarm, as elephants are a protected species in Kenya. The incident highlights ongoing human-wildlife conflict in areas where farms border national parks. KWS has urged farmers to avoid using toxic chemicals near wildlife habitats.
Autopsies confirmed cyanide poisoning in the elephants, according to veterinary reports. The exact number of elephants affected remains 15, with no other species reported harmed. KWS continues to monitor the area for further incidents.
