Kenya arrests four in probe into 18 elephant deaths in Amboseli
Investigators are testing whether pesticide-contaminated tomatoes exposed the animals to cyanide, while authorities say the suspects are persons of interest and more arrests are possible.
- An 11-year-old elephant named Genghis Khan died on Tuesday in the Kitenden B reserve near Amboseli National Park, marking the latest casualty in a mystery affliction that has killed at least 20 elephants in Kenya since June.
- The Kenya Wildlife Service reported high cyanide concentrations in elephant carcasses in late July, raising poisoning suspicions; however, Nyika questioned this theory, arguing that livestock grazing in the same areas would likely also be affected.
- Patrick Papatiti, head of operations for the Olgulului communal lands, described animals struggling for two or three days before death; he claimed there was "no way" cyanide could explain the consistent pattern of deaths.
- Elephant herds in the region are major tourist attractions, alarming Conservationists and communities whose livelihoods depend on tourism; the KWS has found no evidence of contagious illness, leaving the cause undetermined.
- Papatiti fears more elephants may have died unrecorded and is concerned similar cases could be occurring across the border in Tanzania, part of the same ecosystem. "How many elephants will die before we can stop this?" he asked.
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Four detained as Kenya investigates deaths of 18 Amboseli elephants
Words: Lee-Ann Steyn / Getaway Magazine The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) told the BBC that three Kenyan nationals and one Tanzanian national had been detained in connection with the deaths. The suspects have reportedly been released on bail while investigations continue. The investigation centres on whether the elephants were exposed to cyanide after eating tomatoes contaminated with illegal or improperly used pesticides. Preliminary testing has…
Reformatorisch Dagblad
De TelegraafThe Kenyan Ministry of Tourism and Conservation says that four people have been arrested in connection with the death of eighteen elephants in the Amboseli nature reserve. Preliminary lab results indicate that the elephants may have been poisoned.
Kenya arrests four in probe into 18 elephant deaths in Amboseli
Police have arrested four suspects in an investigation into the deaths of 18 elephants in Kenya's Amboseli ecosystem, where authorities also seized assorted substances including chemicals, the tourism and wildlife ministry said.
Four arrested as Elephant deaths in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem rise to 18
Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing and that the preliminary findings must be scientifically verified. Kenya's government has warned that anyone found to have unlawfully killed or poisoned wildlife will face prosecution.
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