Wildlife officials in Kenya announced Thursday that 15 elephants found dead in Amboseli National Park likely died from cyanide poisoning. The poison is believed to have come from pesticides used on nearby farms.

Investigators suspect the elephants consumed tomatoes contaminated with strong pesticides. Tomato remnants were found in the stomachs of several elephants from the same herd.

Kenya Wildlife Service spokesperson Duncan Juma Wanyama stated that cyanide is a highly lethal toxin that affects the lungs and liver. The elephants likely ingested the poison while feeding on unripe plants on farms.

It remains unclear whether the contamination was deliberate or accidental. Farmers have been suspected of poisoning elephants in the past to protect their crops.

Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga warned that the contamination could have broader consequences for livestock grazing in the area, including goats and cattle.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) called the incident a major setback for one of Africa's key elephant populations. IFAW Kenya director Ben Wandago urged that those responsible be held fully accountable under the law, emphasizing the need for strict control of toxic substances.

Source: www.dw.com