The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) was put on the spot following the death of Dida, who was arguably Africa's largest female tusker elephant.
In an announcement published on Tuesday, November 1, KWS attributed Dida's death to old age while at the Tsavo East National Park.
"We are saddened by the death of Dida from natural causes due to old age having lived a full life to about 60-65 years old," the statement read in part.
However, the images shared by the organisation raised questions with Kenyans who took an issue with the depiction of its remains
An aerial photograph taken from a KWS helicopter showed that the body of the iconic elephant had completely decomposed, leaving only its skull, tusks and a few bones.
"If that is her carcass when did she die? Was her death because of natural causes or the ongoing drought, which has highly affected animals in the Tsavo?" Mumbi Mutuko questioned.
"Isn't this a joke? Did you discover that after six months?" a Twitter user enquired.
However, a number defended the agency, stating that it may have been forced to declare the death of the famous elephant later as it had to follow set-out protocol.
Wildlife enthusiasts who encountered Dida eulogised her and celebrated her life arguing that a tusker surviving to her age is no mean fate.
"It is always a joy witnessing a Tusker live to its full life. Especially in Tsavo. Her decades of knowledge will be vital to the family left behind, "Sanzi Jamie remarked.
Meanwhile, the push for the government to address the adversities of drought in the national parks and game reserves owing to the increase in wildlife deaths was revived.
On November 1, President William Ruto announced that he had set aside Ksh200 million which will be dispatched o KWS to set up water spots in the game reserves.
