Mystery ailment kills elephants in Kenya; poisoning theory disputed

A mysterious ailment is claiming the lives of elephants in southern Kenya, with the latest victim being an 11-year-old male named Genghis Khan. The elephant struggled for days, showing signs of partial paralysis and difficulty breathing before succumbing to the illness on Tuesday. Vets administered a glucose injection, the only available treatment given the unknown cause of the affliction.

“

You would find one struggling for a day, struggling for two or even three days. Until they completely die.

This mysterious illness has led to the deaths of at least 20 elephants, predominantly females and young males, since June. All affected animals exhibit identical symptoms, including partial paralysis that prevents them from standing. The region, known for its elephant herds and tourism near Mount Kilimanjaro, is experiencing a sensitive situation as tourism is a significant source of revenue for Kenya.

“

It's a disease.

Initial toxicology reports from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) indicated high concentrations of cyanide in the animals' carcasses, suggesting possible pesticide poisoning from nearby farms. However, this explanation is met with skepticism by several specialists and local Maasai farmers. Patrick Papatiti, head of operations for Olgulului communal lands, dismisses the cyanide theory, stating, "It's a disease." He points out that no other animals, including scavengers that fed on the carcasses, have died, which would be expected if the animals were poisoned.

“

If another animal feeds on that carcass and it is not dying, then definitely it is not a chemical.

Joel Nyika, the Amboseli ecosystem manager for Kajiado County authorities, also rejects the poisoning theory, including the KWS's suggestion of cyanide from foliage, arguing that local livestock would have also perished. "As wildlife managers, we believe it could be a disease that is only affecting these elephants," he told AFP. The KWS stated on August 7 that their findings did not indicate an infectious disease and assured tourists of their safety. However, rangers continue to observe elephants exhibiting partial paralysis, preventing them from standing, raising further questions about the true cause of these tragic deaths.

“

As wildlife managers, we believe it could be a disease that is only affecting these elephants.