Archive · 31 Jul 2026
15 Elephants Die After Cyanide-Contaminated Tomatoes Found in Kenya
In southern Kenya, fifteen elephants have died in the last month.
Scientists found cyanide in tomatoes that were grown near the park.
The Kenya Wildlife Service says the poison might have come from farmers who want to keep elephants away from their crops.
The director, Erustus Kanga, warned that the poison could also hurt farm animals.
He said the poison does not pose an immediate danger to people.
Fifteen elephants in southern Kenya died over the past month.
Preliminary lab tests found cyanide in tomatoes from farms near Amboseli National Park.
Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga warned that the poison could affect livestock.
Authorities suspect farmers may have deliberately poisoned crops to deter elephants.
The toxic substances pose no immediate threat to human health.
- Who
- Kenya Wildlife Service and its Director General Erustus Kanga
- What
- Fifteen elephants died after cyanide was found in tomatoes
- When
- Over the past month, reported Wednesday
- Where
- Southern Kenya, near Amboseli National Park
- Why
- Suspected deliberate poisoning by farmers to protect crops
- Number of elephants died
- 15
- Suspected cause
- Cyanide in tomatoes
- Location
- Southern Kenya, near Amboseli National Park
- Authority
- Kenya Wildlife Service
- Director General
- Eruastus Kanga
- Potential impact
- Livestock
- Human health risk
- None immediate