Twenty-two baby gorillas will be named during the 21st edition of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony, scheduled for September 4 in Kinigi, Musanze District.

The announcement was made Tuesday, August 11, by Eugene Mutangana, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Nature Foundation (RNF), a new agency that manages Volcanoes National Park.

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Speaking at press briefing in Kigali, Mutangana said there are 1,100 mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif, which is shared by Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda.

"They remain the only great ape whose population continues to grow. This is an extraordinary conservation achievement, but it is not one that Rwanda has accomplished alone," he said.

He said the growth in the mountain gorilla population is the result of decades of collaboration involving government, conservation organisations, researchers, veterinarians, rangers, regional partners and communities.

Since the first gorilla naming ceremony in 2005, up to 438 mountain gorillas have been named.

"Every baby gorilla we celebrate represents much more than a new birth. It reflects the daily work of the people protecting their habitat, monitoring their health, ensuring that mountain gorillas have the conditions they need to thrive," he said.

"Kwita Izina has grown well beyond the gorilla naming ceremony itself,” he added.

This year’s programme will include a community project launch, international travel media and trade familiarisation trips, a conservation exhibition, gorilla trekking experiences and the naming ceremony.

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"For over two decades, Kwita Izina has showcased Rwanda’s belief that conservation is not simply about protecting wildlife. It is about creating opportunities for people, supporting communities, growing tourism, and ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving natural environment,” Mutangana said.

To date, more than Rwf23 billion, approximately $16 million, has been invested in nearly 1,300 community projects, supporting schools, health centres, water infrastructure, livelihood initiatives and other community priorities.