Twenty-two baby mountain gorillas were given names on Friday, September 4, in the 21st Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony held in Kinigi, Musanze District. The namers included football legends, Olympic champions, business leaders, conservationists, filmmakers and other prominent figures from Rwanda and around the world. Here are the names, the namers and meanings behind them. ALSO READ: Who will name baby gorillas at Kwita Izina? Muganura, given Patrice Evra Former France and Manchester United captain Patrice Evra named a baby gorilla Muganura, referring to “Umuganura” the ceremony of harvest and thanksgiving. The gorilla, born on March 20, 2026, is from the Izuba Group and was born to mother Mafubo. Intwarane, given by Mamadou Sakho Former French international and Paris Saint-Germain captain Mamadou Sakho named a baby gorilla Intwarane, meaning people fighting for a common goal. The baby gorilla was born on January 27, 2026, to mother Intango of the Agashya Group. Indongozi, given by James Chester Former Wales international and Aston Villa legend James Chester named a baby gorilla Indongozi, meaning outstanding leader. “I hope he grows strong,” Chester said. The gorilla was born on September 26, 2025, to mother Isaro of the Musilikale Group. Tarama, given by Mutaz Essa Barshim Qatari Olympic gold medallist Mutaz Essa Barshim named a baby gorilla Tarama, meaning to socialise or come together. The gorilla was born on July 21, 2025, to mother Impuhwe of the Humura Group. Inkera, given by Miguel Ángel Gil Marín Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO and majority shareholder of Atlético de Madrid and a member of the UEFA Executive Committee, named a baby gorilla Inkera. The gorilla was born on November 11, 2025, to mother Teta of the Pablo Group. Gil Marín said he hopes the gorilla would continue growing alongside Rwanda and Atlético de Madrid. Muhuza, given by David Lappartient David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), named a baby gorilla Muhuza, meaning one who brings people together or connects them. ALSO READ: Kwita Izina: Key facts as 22 baby gorillas are given names Impeta, given by Israel Mbonyi Rwandan gospel singer and songwriter Israel Mbonyi named a baby gorilla Impeta, meaning a symbol of recognition. The gorilla was born on August 9, 2025, to mother Mbele of the Izuba Group. Ubukaka, given by Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo named a baby gorilla Ubukaka, meaning majesty. The gorilla was born on July 28, 2025, to mother Ururabo of the Humura Group. Ishakwe, given by Shaikha Al Nuwais Shaikha Al Nuwais, the incoming Secretary-General of UN Tourism, named a baby gorilla Ishakwe, meaning determination. Ishakwe is also the name of a small drum that sets the rhythm for others, reflecting the idea that one does not have to be the biggest or loudest to make a difference. “I am so determined to make a difference to Rwanda and in Africa during my mandate,” Al Nuwais said. The gorilla was born on October 8, 2025, to mother Turiho of the Muhoza Group. Umukondo, given by Dominic Barton Dominic Barton, Chairman of Rio Tinto and LeapFrog Investments and former Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company, named a baby gorilla Umukondo. He described the name as representing a standing point and source, or the starting point of an ecosystem. The gorilla was born on June 20, 2025, to mother Muhabura of the Izuba Group. Shikama, given by Paul and Christine Danforth Paul Danforth, President of CAA Sports, and his wife Christine Danforth named a baby gorilla Shikama, meaning to stand strong. “One thing I can say about Rwanda is to stand strong,” he said. The gorilla was born on July 3, 2025, to mother Turimaso of the Susa Group. Rugamba, given by Ahmed Sadek Elsewedy Ahmed Sadek Elsewedy, Chairman of Elsewedy Electric, named a baby gorilla Rugamba. The gorilla was born on September 8, 2025, to mother Gwaneza of the Hirwa Group. Mucyo, given by Olivier Granet Olivier Granet, Managing Partner and Co-CEO of Kasada Capital Management, named a baby gorilla Mucyo, meaning light. Granet said the name recognises the important role mountain gorillas play in protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity. The gorilla was born on October 14, 2025, to mother Urahirwa of the Ntambara Group. Ingabonzima, given by Garreth and Nicola Wood Philanthropists Garreth and Nicola Wood, co-founders of Kids Operating Room, named a baby gorilla Ingabonzima, meaning protector. The gorilla was born on December 28, 2025, to mother Ukwiyunga of the Segasira Group. Ikambere, given by Susan Hollern Susan Hollern, founder and President of Hope Haven Rwanda, named a baby gorilla Ikambere, a name that recognises the importance of welcoming visitors. The gorilla was born on December 5, 2025, to mother Ntamupaka of the Kwisanga Group. Ngoga, given by Francesco Calvo Francesco Calvo, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa, named a baby gorilla Ngoga, meaning brave or courageous. The gorilla was born on March 21, 2026, to mother Ntibisanzwe of the Kwitonda Group. Komezutsinde, given by Dominique Plewes Dominique Plewes, CEO and founder of the SOF Support Foundation, named a baby gorilla Komezutsinde, meaning keep winning. Mpinga, given by Alastair Fothergill British filmmaker and director Alastair Fothergill named a baby gorilla from the Pablo family, born to mother Teta. The name was given as Mpinga, meaning on top or hilltop. Igeno, given by Kelly O’Meara Kelly O’Meara, Executive Director of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, named a baby gorilla Igeno. The gorilla is from the Musilikale family and was born to mother Tabaro. Nkwakuzi, given by Kenza Johanna Ameloot Miss Belgium 2024 Kenza Johanna Ameloot named a baby gorilla Nkwakuzi, meaning bravest. The gorilla is from the Umubano family and was born to mother Isimbi. Uruhembe, given by Neil McDougall Neil McDougall, founder and Chairman of DelAgua, named a baby gorilla Uruhembe, meaning “on the frontline.” The gorilla was born on August 9, 2025, to mother Mbele of the Izuba Group. Ndahiro, given by Jeanette Uwimbabazi Jeanette Uwimbabazi, a ranger from Nyungwe National Park, named a baby gorilla Ndahiro, meaning commitment. The gorilla was born on December 28, 2025, to mother Bukima of the Musilikale Group. With the 22 gorillas named at this year's ceremony, the total number of mountain gorillas named since the Kwita Izina event in 2005 has reached 460.
