Over 70 Elephants Die in Tsavo National Park Due to Drought

The government has announced plans to set up water pans at the Tsavo National Park following the death of more than 70 elephants due to drought at the conservancy.

Confirming the death of the elephants, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the installation of the pans is part of the efforts to curb the water crisis and prevent wildlife animals from invading surrounding neighborhoods in search of water.

"More than 70 elephants have died at the Tsavo National park because of drought. But we are now building water pans to prevent them from dying but also preventing them from going out of the park and attacking neighboring citizens," Balala said on Wednesday.

Balala pointed out that climate change has become a major challenge to conservation efforts as animals continue to be affected by drought.

Young male elephants, pregnant females, and calves are sensitive to water and food depletion and barely survive without the resources for a long period of time. An adult elephant consumes about 225 liters of water and 140kgs of food daily, and is more prone to complications.