At least 20 elephants die under mysterious conditions in southern Kenya

At least 20 elephants have died under unexplained circumstances in southern Kenya, with the first deaths recorded on June 24 in Amboseli National Park, according to AFP. Most of the dead animals were females and young males. Kenyan officials said the elephants displayed common symptoms before dying, including weakness, limb paralysis and respiratory distress. The interval between the onset of symptoms and death stretched to as long as three days. The most recent elephant to die was an 11-year-old male named Genghis Khan, found dead on August 18. Investigators have detected high levels of cyanide in the remains of the animals and are examining whether the toxin entered their bodies through agricultural products, water sources or wild vegetation. Local officials, farmers and some environmental scientists have questioned the poisoning theory, noting that scavengers such as hyenas and vultures would also be expected to be affected. Some conservationists have said the official figure may understate the actual death toll and noted the possibility of an unknown disease affecting only elephants. The cause of the deaths remains under investigation, and no further details were immediately available.