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Kenya’s mega ivory piles ‘will burn even if it snows’

– ‘Even if it snows’ –

“We can control the pressure, so we will be able to adapt the heat if necessary,” Mughal said. “During the tests, the metal structure bent.”

To help the process, tens of tonnes of illegally cut precious sandalwood seized from smugglers have also been placed at the base of the pyramids.

“It is clear that if we wanted to be more efficient, we would do it differently,” Hollister added.

“For example, we would not put the tusks vertically as you see them there, we would pile them on top of each other.”

Even with all the fuel and planning the fire is expected to burn for days.

“I have no idea how long exactly the burning will take, but I think it will take a few days,” he said.

Recent days have seen Nairobi swamped by torrential rainstorms, but Hollister smiled when asked if he feared it could put out the flames.

“It may be a hassle for guests, and will perhaps slow down the process, but I can assure you it will burn and it will be very hot,” said he. “The ivory doesn’t need to be dry because it doesn’t ignite, and it doesn’t absorb the water either.”

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Richard Leakey, passing by the pyres to oversee preparations, added his support, joking: “It will burn, even if it snows!”

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