Four Arrested for Poisoning 18 Elephants in Kenya

Four suspects, three Kenyan nationals and one Tanzanian citizen, were arrested in connection with the poisoning of at least 18 elephants in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. The Kenya Wildlife Service confirmed that the investigation is focused on whether the elephants were poisoned through cyanide-laced crops over a period of approximately two months.

Preliminary laboratory tests indicated positive results for cyanide in samples taken from the stomachs of the deceased elephants. Investigators believe the elephants consumed large quantities of tomatoes that had been sprayed with illegal pesticides, which led to signs of paralysis before their deaths.

The affected elephants were primarily female adults and their young calves. The tomato farms under investigation are located in the Kimana area, which connects to Tsavo National Park.

The Amboseli ecosystem, spanning the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, supports over 2,000 elephants. Enforcement of laws against illegal agrochemicals remains weak, posing a recurring risk to wildlife.