20 Baby Mountain Gorillas Named in Colorful Ceremony

On Friday September 2, 2022, tens of thousands of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, gathered in Kinigi sector, Musanze District, to witness the 18th edition of the annual “Kwita Izina”, the Gorilla naming Ceremony. On this occasion, 20 babies and a family were named, in a colourful ceremony that was presided over by the Prime Minister Rt Hon Edouard NGIRENTE, and attended by the first Lady of Rwanda Mrs Jeannette KAGAME.

Today’s ceremony which took place at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park marked the 18th edition of the international conservation annual event held in Rwanda. It brought together global leaders, philanthropists, conservation champions as well as sports, music and fashion stars among the distinguished guests that were given the honour of naming baby mountain gorilla.

In his remark Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board reminded participants that one of most significant moments in life is knowing the meaning of your name, which most of the time is an expression of thought and good wishes of the bright future from parents and the community around.

“We’re delighted to be back in Kinigi in Rwanda’s Northern Province, near the habitat of these majestic creatures for “Kwita Izina”, two years since our last in-person ceremony. Initiatives such as the “Kwita Izina” gorilla naming ceremony play a major role in conserving gorillas. Thanks to Rwanda’s conservation efforts, we have improved the gorilla trekking experience for our visitors and increased the support to local communities through our Tourism Revenue Sharing programme,” she said.

Prime Minister Rt Hon Edouard Ngirente, who represented the Head of State, commended all participants of the event and extended appreciation to residents in the outskirts of national parks for being good conservation partners.

“The act of giving a name to baby gorillas is a symbol of Rwanda’s commitment to these majestic animals, and our belief in the power of nature to be a force for socio-economic transformation. Today, Rwanda is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the population is increasing every year,” he said.

The Prince of Whales, Charles was among namers who attended the event virtually. He named a male baby gorilla that was born on April 29, 2022, in the family of Muhoza to his mother called Agasaro. He named the baby Ubwuzuzanye, which means harmony in English. This name was chosen to raise awareness of the need for humanity to come together as one to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development.

Other dignitaries at today’s Kwita Izina include Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary-General of “Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie” (OIF); football legend Didier Drogba; Salima Mukansanga, an International Football Referee; Sauti Sol musical band and Sir Ian Clark Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation among others.

Since the naming ceremony began in 2005, 354 baby gorillas have been given names. Today, Rwanda is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the population is steadily increasing.

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