Today September 5, Rwanda marked the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, the annual baby gorilla naming ceremony.
This year, 40 baby mountain gorillas, including 18 born in 2024, were officially given names during the ceremony held in Kinigi, Musanze District. The event, initiated in 2005, has grown into a global symbol of Rwanda’s success in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.
Presiding over the event, Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice praised the Rwandan government and President His Excellency Paul Kagame for their unwavering commitment to conservation.
“Today we are not just naming baby gorillas, we are celebrating two decades of a vision turned into reality. Thanks to the leadership of our President, Rwanda has expanded the Volcanoes National Park, ensured the safety of our gorillas, and created a sustainable tourism industry that benefits both people and planet,” said the Governer.
He emphasized that the gorilla population is thriving, attributing it to effective protection.
“When gorillas are secure, they reproduce. And when they reproduce, Rwanda earns. Tourism revenues now support thousands of Rwandans, proving that conservation and economic development can go hand-in-hand,” he added.
For Jean-Guy Afrika, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), this year’s ceremony reflects not only environmental achievement but also inclusive economic progress.
“Today, naming these baby gorillas for the 20th time is a huge honor to our government,” he said. “Since we began the Tourism Revenue Sharing Program, 10% of all tourism income goes directly to communities surrounding the parks. This is how we make conservation meaningful to local people.”
Afrika noted that over the years, the initiative has supported schools, clean water systems, healthcare centers, and climate-resilient agriculture, ensuring that those living closest to nature also benefit the most from protecting it.
This year’s event was attended by Iliyana Hristova, a tourist from Norway, who was visibly moved by the experience.
“It’s amazing to be included in such an event. In Europe, we talk a lot about conservation, but today I actually got to be part of it. Seeing how Rwanda has really stepped up makes me want to advocate for endangered species even though it’s not my field of expertise,” she said.
Her sentiments echoed the feelings of many in attendance, who witnessed a deeply symbolic ritual that connects Rwandans to their natural heritage, while opening doors for global collaboration.
Prime Minister Dr. Nsengiyumva Justin strongly emphasized the importance of conservation during today’s baby gorilla naming ceremony, declaring it a pivotal moment dedicated to protecting the species and safeguarding the environment.
“We are here to celebrate the special efforts made to conserve our environment and to unite people from all corners of the world,” he stated, highlighting the global significance of the event and the collective responsibility toward environmental stewardship.
Since 2005, the Kwita Izina ceremony has named 437 baby gorillas, becoming a cornerstone of eco-tourism in Africa.