Elephant deaths from suspected cyanide poisoning

In August 2026, at least 16 elephants died in Kenya's Kenya — Amboseli National Park from suspected cyanide poisoning after consuming tomatoes from nearby farms. Preliminary laboratory tests detected cyanide in the elephants' stomach contents, and postmortem examinations found tomatoes. The Kenya — Kenya Wildlife Service announced the deaths and requested the Kenya — Pest Control Products Board to investigate whether the chemical was improperly used, stored, or disposed. Farmers in the Kimana area dispute that cyanide from their pesticides caused the deaths, noting they have never encountered cyanide in agricultural inputs. The incident has intensified concerns over human-wildlife conflict as agricultural expansion encroaches on the park. The International Fund for Animal Welfare called for an urgent investigation and stricter control of toxic substances.