Kenya investigates toxin link after 15 elephants die from paralysis in Amboseli ecosystem over one month
Between 24 June and 24 July, 15 elephants died across the Amboseli ecosystem in southern Kenya, with 10 showing partial paralysis before succumbing within two days. Preliminary lab tests at the University of Nairobi detected a potential toxic substance, while government chemist analysis returned negative for the toxins examined, prompting an expanded investigation into water sources and environmental contaminants.
An investigation is unfolding across the Amboseli ecosystem after 15 elephants were recorded dead over the past month, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Ten of the animals exhibited partial paralysis that left them unable to stand, and they died within one to two days of showing symptoms. The remaining five carcasses were already too decomposed or had been scavenged, preventing a conclusive cause of death. Most of the dead were adult females and calves; only one adult male was among the fatalities. The deaths were recorded at multiple sites: Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area.
Contradictory lab results
Preliminary analysis by a University of Nairobi laboratory detected a “potential toxic substance” in samples from several elephants, but separate initial tests by the Government Chemist were negative for the toxins examined. KWS said further testing is under way to establish the concentration, significance and source of any toxin, while acknowledging there is currently no evidence pointing to a single cause of death. The wildlife authority is also testing water sources and other potential environmental contaminants to determine whether the elephants were exposed to a common source.
Importantly, there is no evidence that this incident poses any risk to human health.
Where and when the deaths occurred
KWS head of communication Duncan Wanyama told local media that the carcasses were found at different locations surrounding Amboseli National Park, between roughly 15 km and 30 km from the park’s boundaries. The broader Amboseli ecosystem straddles the Kenya-Tanzania border beneath Mount Kilimanjaro and is known for its elephant herds and savannah landscapes. The BBC initially reported 14 elephants had died, but KWS later confirmed the figure of 15. It is the first time in decades that elephant mortalities on this scale have been recorded in the region, according to the wildlife service.
Elephant population and human-wildlife conflict
The Amboseli Trust for Elephants, which monitors the animals’ movements, estimates there were more than 2,000 elephants in the ecosystem as of 2025. Kenya’s elephant numbers have been recovering in recent years after heavy poaching, but the growth has brought more human-wildlife encounters. Conservation group Big Life Foundation estimates about 2,700 elephants live in the southern Kenya area, and it uses GPS collars and drones with thermal cameras to track the animals, warn farmers and, when necessary, drive elephants back into protected areas. Kenya has previously documented elephant deaths linked to poisoning, often arising from poaching or conflict with communities.
- First recorded death in the Amboseli ecosystem; over the following weeks, 15 elephants die.
- Last death recorded. Carcasses found in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and Kuku Ranch.
- KWS issues public statement: University of Nairobi detects potential toxic substance; Government Chemist results negative.
- Further laboratory and environmental investigations continue; water sources and contaminants being tested.
What comes next
Laboratory and environmental investigations are continuing. The Government Chemist is running further toxin panels beyond those already screened, and KWS is sampling water and soils across the affected sites. Authorities have reiterated there is no indication the condition can pass to humans, and no other wildlife species have been reported with similar symptoms.
