'How many will die?': The mysterious ailment killing Kenyan elephants
Lying on the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust, the elephant slowly exhausted himself in futile attempts to stand, the latest potential victim of a still-mysterious ailment in southern Kenya.
Since June, at least 19 elephants have died in southern Kenya due to a mysterious ailment, with symptoms including weakness, partial paralysis, respiratory distress, and an inability to stand. The cause of the deaths remains unresolved. Cyanide was detected in the carcasses, leading to speculation of pesticide poisoning, but this has been disputed by wildlife experts.
The elephants are predominantly female or young males. The deaths have raised concerns in the wildlife community, with fears that the death toll may be underestimated and the affliction could also affect elephants in neighboring Tanzania.
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