This archive report concerns an investigation into the deaths of three rhinos in Mara Triangle, inside the Masai Mara game reserve.
Security officials in Narok said the animals were discovered dead in separate incidents over a three-month period. Kenya Wildlife Service veterinarians were then sent to examine the carcasses and determine what caused the deaths.
Narok County Commissioner George Natembeya said the dead animals were a 37-year-old rhino, a three-year-old rhino and a pregnant rhino. He said the case did not point to poaching because the black rhinos were found with their horns still intact.
“We suspect that the animals might have consumed poisonous plant but that will be revealed by the KWS report,” Natembeya said.
KWS head of communication Paul Udoto confirmed the deaths and said the oldest male may have died naturally, while the other two cases remained a concern.
“Indeed we lost three rhinos among them a 37-year old male, a 16-year old expectant female and a young male aged three years,” Udoto said, adding that, “Our vets have already taken samples from the three carcasses to the government chemists and we are waiting for the feedback.”
Natembeya also said security in the park was strong and rejected the idea that an outsider could have poisoned the animals.
“We have enough security at the park. We have KWS, County rangers and the police guarding the protected wildlife species,” he said.
