Thousands of residents from across Rwanda and guests from around the world gathered in Kinigi, Musanze District, on Friday, September 5 for the 20th Kwita Izina Ceremony, in which baby gorillas were given names. ALSO READ: Kwita Izina: PM Nsengiyumva urges expansion of gorilla habitat The annual celebration, which highlighted Rwanda’s conservation success, saw 40 baby gorillas named by a diverse group of namers, including royalty, global business leaders, conservationists, park rangers, sports icons, and artists, among others. ALSO READ: First Lady Jeannette Kagame attends Kwita Izina Each name carried a story. Here’s what some of the namers had to say during the ceremony held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein, Chairperson of Louisenlund Foundation The German royal named a male baby gorilla Burere, meaning upbringing. “This name recognises Rwanda’s culture and values that emphasise family as the foundation of society.” “I am so inspired by Rwanda’s remarkable conservation journey. I can’t wait to visit baby Burere and his family in Volcanoes National Park tomorrow.” Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Prince of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia Naming a female gorilla Ntarungu, meaning Companionship, the Malaysian prince reflected on the global importance of conservation. “Kwita Izina is more than a celebration of new life; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and stewardship,” he said. ALSO READ: Kwita Izina: Who will name baby gorillas this year? “When Rwanda began this journey, there were just 160 mountain gorillas. Today, there are over 1,000. I hope that one day, Malaysia’s Malayan tigers will see a similar recovery.” Prof Senait Fisseha, Vice-President of International Programs at Susan T. Buffet Foundation I’m pleased to name this baby ‘Mwizerwa’ meaning Reliable, said Fisseha. This name celebrates Rwanda’s global reputation for reliability and reflects the country’s steadfast commitment to creating a supportive environment for private sector growth, investment and sustainable development.” Sang-Hyup Kim, Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Kim named a female gorilla Impuguke, meaning expert, to emphasise the role of knowledge in conservation. “This name highlights the importance of experts and communities working together to protect wildlife,” he said. Claver Ntoyinkima, Senior ranger and trainer at Nyungwe National Park Ntoyinkima named a baby boy Nyunganizi, meaning supporter. “We hope he will grow into a strong silverback who supports his family. This ceremony shows Rwanda’s dedication to wildlife conservation, and I look forward to visiting him in the wild.” David Marriott, Chairman of the Board for Marriott International Marriott named a baby boy Rugwiro, meaning hospitable, honoring gorillas’ social nature. “Rwanda is a global leader in conservation. This name symbolises our shared commitment to protecting wildlife and creating a thriving planet for future generations.” ALSO READ: Kwita Izina: PM Nsengiyumva urges expansion of gorilla habitat Michael Bay, American film director Bay brought humor to the ceremony, naming a gorilla Umurage, meaning heritage. “He’s such a good-looking gorilla. I promise to make him a famous gorilla movie star. Rwanda is leading the way in protecting wildlife, and this is everyone’s responsibility.” Khadja Nin, Singer and philanthropist The Burundian-born artist, named a male gorilla Garuka, meaning come back. “In Africa, we say it takes a village to raise a child. In the same way, it takes the whole world to protect nature. I was born and raised in Burundi, but today I have chosen Rwanda as my forever home.” Yemi Alade, Nigerian musician Alade named her baby gorilla Kundwa, meaning loved. “The minute I saw her, it was love at first sight. This experience has shown me the deep emotional bonds between gorillas and their families and the dedication of the guides and trackers who protect them.” Mathieu Flamini, Former professional footballer Flamini, a former Arsenal player, named the baby gorilla Rubuga, meaning platform. “This name honors Rwanda’s efforts in creating platforms that promote tourism and conservation. The country is an inspiration for the world.” Brenda Umutoni, Ranger She named the baby Tsinda, meaning to succeed, emphasising the importance of perseverance in protecting the park and supporting the communities that live nearby. All names given baby gorillas The names given to the 40 baby gorillas on Friday are Nyunganizi, Rugwiro, Tekana, Igishya, Amahoro, Umurage, Rwogere, Garuka, Ruvugiro, Mwungeri, Burere, Cyubahiro, Rwandanziza, Mwizerwa, Impuguke, Muvugizi, Mpinganzima, and Rugano. There is also Iraba, Amahumbezi, Ntavogerwa, Izere, Shyamba, Cyerekezo, Ganza, Inkomoko, Higa, Terimbere, Rubuga, Ogera, Mushumbamwiza, Unguka, Rufatiro, Amahitamo, Tsinda, Atete, Umutoni, Kwihangana, Iwacu, and Tengamara. A total of 438 gorillas have been named since 2005, when Kwita Izina started.
