Mystery as 15 Elephants Die in Amboseli

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued an update on the deaths of 15 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, revealing that investigations are underway after several of the animals exhibited similar symptoms before dying.

The deaths occurred between June 24 and July 24, 2026, in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area.

“ The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) wishes to provide an update on the recent elephant mortalities reported in the Amboseli Ecosystem. Between 24th June and 24th July 2026, 15 elephant deaths were recorded in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area,” read part of the notice.

KWS Investigates Cause of 15 Elephant Deaths in Amboseli Ecosystem

According to KWS, 10 of the elephants developed similar clinical signs, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand before they died within one to two days.

The agency said the condition mainly affected adult females and their calves, with only one adult male among the recorded fatalities.

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KWS said the remaining five carcasses were either badly decomposed or had been scavenged, preventing investigators from determining the cause of death.

Following the first reports, the agency dispatched teams of veterinarians from Nairobi, Tsavo and Amboseli to investigate the incident, treat affected animals, carry out post-mortem examinations and collect samples for laboratory analysis.

Thereafter, the samples were submitted to the University of Nairobi, the Government Chemist and other specialized laboratories for toxicological and pathological investigations.

Tests Detect Possible Toxic Substance

KWS further said preliminary laboratory findings from the University of Nairobi detected a potential toxic substance in samples collected from several of the affected elephants.

However, the agency noted that the findings are inconclusive, with further quantitative analysis underway to determine the substance’s concentration and significance, as well as its possible source.

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Meanwhile, tests conducted by the Government Chemist were negative for the toxic substances initially examined, although additional screening for other potential toxins is continuing.

In addition to laboratory testing, KWS is investigating possible environmental factors that may have contributed to the deaths.

The agency said experts are analyzing water sources and other environmental contaminants within the affected areas to establish whether the elephants were exposed to a common source.

KWS also assured the public that there is no evidence the incident poses a threat to human health, saying the condition has only been observed in the affected elephants and there is no indication it can be transmitted to humans.

The agency said it has intensified surveillance across the Amboseli ecosystem and will continue working with scientific partners to establish the definitive cause of the deaths before issuing a final update.

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A photo showing the notice of update of elephants death in Amboseli park. Photo /File