Rwanda to Name 40 Baby Gorillas in Colorful Kwita -Izina Ceremony
Blog | 2/09/25
On Friday, 5 September 2025, all roads will lead to Volcanoes National Park foothills for the iconic 20th edition of the Kwita -Izina baby gorilla naming ceremony where 40 baby gorillas will get names. The 40 mountain gorilla infants to be named, include 18 born in 2024.
Themed “A legacy of community centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all,” this year’s Kwita Izina highlights the vital role of communities, rangers, and researchers in protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity.
Speaking about the event, Rwanda Development Board’s Chief Tourism Officer, Irene Murerwa said, “We are excited to celebrate 20 years of Kwita Izina—a ceremony that has become a symbol of conservation, community, and culture in Rwanda. Thanks to the unwavering dedication and support of the government of Rwanda, partners and communities, the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif has increased from 880 in 2012 to over 1,063 today. This success highlights the impact of community-based conservation and strategic partnerships”.
Rooted in the centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming newborns, Kwita Izina was officially introduced in 2005 to celebrate Rwanda’s conservation achievements, engage communities, and inspire global awareness. Over the past 20 years, Kwita Izina has become one of Africa’s leading events on conservation and sustainable tourism, attracting global icons, conservationists, and thousands of attendees annually. Since 2005, 397 baby gorillas have been named.
