'Largest ivory stockpile' set to be destroyed

A Kenya Wildlife Service ranger standing guard beside an illegal stockpile of elephant tusks and ivory figurines at Nairobi's national park yesterday. The Kenyan government is preparing to burn about 105 tonnes of elephant tusks and 1.3 tonnes of rhi
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, XINHUA

A Kenya Wildlife Service ranger standing guard beside an illegal stockpile of elephant tusks and ivory figurines at Nairobi's national park yesterday.

The Kenyan government is preparing to burn about 105 tonnes of elephant tusks and 1.3 tonnes of rhino horns on Saturday, at an event that will be attended by several African heads of state, conservation experts, philanthropists and celebrities.

The ivory burning will be the largest ever by any country. Officials said the country wants to reaffirm its uncompromising stance against illegal wildlife trade.

Mr Kitili Mbathi, director- general of Kenya Wildlife Service, said Kenya will push for a total ban on ivory trade during a wildlife conservation conference to be held in South Africa in September.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 28, 2016, with the headline 'Largest ivory stockpile' set to be destroyed. Subscribe