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In August 2026, a series of distressing events near Amboseli National Park in Kenya left the international conservation community in shock. Within just one month, fifteen elephants were discovered dead, prompting the Kenya Wildlife Service to launch an immediate investigation. Initial findings have pointed toward a potential environmental disaster linked to local agricultural practices.

Dr. Isaac Lekolool, the chief veterinarian involved in the case, reported that examinations of the deceased animals revealed traces of cyanide in their stomachs. Before their deaths, several elephants exhibited symptoms of partial paralysis, which severely restricted their movement. It is currently suspected that the elephants ingested these toxic substances after pesticides were sprayed on tomato crops in the nearby Kimana region. While it remains uncertain whether the poisoning was intentional, many experts believe the deaths were an unfortunate accident occurring as the elephants traversed the area.

The location of the incident is a vital wildlife corridor, a natural pathway that enables over two thousand elephants to migrate between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. This movement is essential for the animals to locate sufficient food and water sources. Although local farmers and elephants have coexisted in this region for many years, a tragedy of this scale is unprecedented. Consequently, some local residents remain skeptical of the pesticide theory, arguing that they have used similar farming methods for decades without incident.

Nevertheless, a more concerning factor has emerged: the smuggling of prohibited agrochemicals across the border from Tanzania. Despite being banned under Kenyan law, these hazardous chemicals remain accessible due to a lack of strict enforcement at the border. If the use of these unregulated substances continues, it poses a significant threat not only to endangered wildlife but also to the health of the local population.

This crisis underscores the complex challenge of balancing environmental conservation with the economic needs of local communities. Farmers depend on their harvests to sustain their families and provide food for the capital. However, without tighter regulations and better education on chemical use, the future of Kenya’s iconic elephant population remains at risk.

1. What is the main purpose of the article?

• A.To describe the migration patterns of Kenyan elephants.
• B.To discuss the causes and implications of recent elephant deaths.
• C.To argue for the total ban of all pesticides in Kenya.
• D.To criticize the farming techniques used in the Kimana region.

2. According to the article, why are the deaths in the Kimana area particularly surprising?

• A.Elephants have never used that specific corridor before.
• B.There are no farms in the area where the elephants died.
• C.Farmers and elephants have lived together peacefully for a long time.
• D.The elephants were found in an area where humans are forbidden.

3. What can be inferred about the chemicals used on the tomato crops?

• A.They were specifically designed to kill large mammals.
• B.They are perfectly safe if used according to local laws.
• C.They are likely being brought into the country illegally.
• D.They are the only way for farmers to survive in the capital.

4. Which word best describes the author’s attitude toward current chemical regulations?

• A.Satisfied
• B.Indifferent
• C.Optimistic
• D.Concerned

5. In the third paragraph, what does the word ‘unprecedented’ suggest?

• A.The event was extremely violent.
• B.The event has never happened before on this scale.
• C.The event was expected by the local community.
• D.The event was solved very quickly by experts.