Mystery outbreak claims elephants' lives in Kenya

A mysterious illness is causing the deaths of elephants in southern Kenya, with at least 19 animals succumbing to the ailment since June. The affected elephants exhibit symptoms including partial paralysis before death. The most recent case involved an 11-year-old bull named Genghis Khan, found weak in the Kitenden B reserve.

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This is a disease.

Veterinarians could only provide glucose as a palliative measure, as the exact cause of the disease remains unknown. This series of deaths has raised concerns in the Amboseli area, a major tourist destination known for its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and significant contribution to Kenya's revenue.

Patrick Papatiti, head of Olgulului Community Land Trust, stated that affected elephants struggle to survive for one to three days before dying. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) previously suggested that toxicology tests revealed high cyanide concentrations in the carcasses, possibly from pesticides used in nearby agricultural areas. However, local experts and district authorities have rejected this theory.

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If other animals eat the carcass and do not die, then it is definitely not a chemical.

Their skepticism is based on the fact that scavengers and flies feeding on the carcasses have not been affected, nor have local livestock. "This is a disease," Papatiti insisted, dismissing the cyanide theory. Joel Nyika, Amboseli Ecosystem Manager for the Kajiado County government, echoed this, stating, "If other animals eat the carcass and do not die, then it is definitely not a chemical." He added, "As wildlife managers, we believe it might be a disease that only affects these elephants." KWS stated on August 7 that current findings do not indicate any contagious disease, assuring tourists they can continue visiting the area.

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As wildlife managers, we believe it might be a disease that only affects these elephants.