Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony turned 20. Here’s what it was like
Forty gorilla babies woke up on Friday morning nameless. By the afternoon, all 40 had traditional Rwandan names, continuing a tradition that dates back 20 official years, but goes back decades earlier as a way to track newborn gorillas.
Outside of the town of Kinigi, Rwanda, on the Gorilla Naming Ceremony grounds, more than a thousand people gathered to celebrate Kwita Izina 20.
In a massive celebration with dancing, food, and live musical concerts, people from across the country and globe came together to learn the newest names of baby gorillas and support Rwanda’s exceptional conservation efforts, saving mountain gorillas from likely extinction.
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7 Takeaways from the 20th Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony
1. Global Leaders, Athletes, and Conservationists Named 40 Baby Gorillas
The forty people who named gorillas in 2025 were well-known businessmen, philanthropists, sports stars, park rangers, conservationists, and more. Here’s the full list, thanks to KTPress.rw:
2025 Kwita Izina Namers, New Baby Gorilla Names, and Translation
| Baby Gorilla Name | Meaning | Namer | Affiliation / Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mushumbamwiza | Good Shepherd | Alliance Umwizerwa | Gorilla Research Assistant, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund |
| Unguka | Gain | Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga | Field Veterinarian, Gorilla Doctors |
| Rufatiro | Foundation | Dieudonné Gato | Ranger, Volcanoes NP |
| Amahitamo | Choice | Théogène Bimenyimana | Head Tracker, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund |
| Tsinda | Win | Brenda Umutoni | Ranger, Volcanoes NP |
| Atete | Tenderness | Léonard Nsengiyumva | Data Technician, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund |
| Umutoni | Favourite | Jean Marie Vianney Zirimwabagabo | Ranger, Volcanoes NP |
| Kwihangana | Patience | Naume Mukabarisa | Ranger, Volcanoes NP |
| Ogera | Popular | Khaby Lame | Social Media Personality (Virtual) |
| Burere | Upbringing | Princess Ingeborg Zu Schleswig-Holstein | Chairperson, Louisenlund Foundation |
| Mumararungu | Companionship | H.H. Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz | Malaysian Royal & Corporate Leader |
| Mwizerwa | Reliable | Prof. Senait Fisseha | Physician, Academic Leader |
| Impuguke | Expert | Sang-Hyup Kim | Director General, Global Green Growth Institute |
| Rugwiro | Hospitable | David S. Marriott | Chairman, Marriott International |
| Tekana | Feel Secure | Dr. Yin Ye | CEO, BGI Group |
| Ntavogerwa | Untouchable | Charlie Mayhew & Spouse | Co-founder & CEO, Tusk Trust |
| Umurage | Heritage | Michael Bay | Film Director |
| Ruvugiro | Platform | Jean Todt | Former FIA President, UN Envoy |
| Mwungeri | Shepherd | Matthew Harris | Founding Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners |
| Garuka | Comeback | Jeanine Rema (Khadja Nin) | Musician |
| Rubuga | Platform | Mathieu Flamini | Former Footballer, Biotech CEO |
| Iwacu | Home | Somi (Laura Kabasomi Kakoma) | Grammy-Nominated Artist |
| Kundwa | Loved | Yemi Alade | Afropop Singer |
| Tengamara | Be Safe and Sound | Reed Oppenheimer | Chairman & CEO, RJ Oppenheimer Foundation |
| Cyubahiro | Respect/Honor | Athanasie Mukabizimungu | Rwandan Community Leader |
| Rwanda Nziza | Beautiful Rwanda | Dr. Edward Hult | CEO, Education First North America |
| Muvugizi | Advocate | Suzanne Sinegal McGill | Co-Founder, Rwanda Girls Initiative |
| Mpinganzima | Futuristic | Gagan Gupta | Founder & CEO, Arise IIP |
| Rugano | Bamboo | Camille Rebelo | Founder & CEO, EcoPlanet Bamboo |
| Iraba | Ornament Pattern | Luis García | Football Legend |
| Amahumbezi | Gentle Breeze | Bacary Sagna | Former Footballer |
| Izere | Hope | Xi Zhinong | Wildlife Photographer |
| Shyamba | Forest | Lee Ehmke | President & CEO, Houston Zoo |
| Cyerekezo | Vision | Susan Chin | SVP, Wildlife Conservation Society |
| Ganza | Dominate | Javier Pastore | Footballer |
| Inkomoko | Origin | Ruth Fisher | Corporate Attorney |
| Higa | Commit | Viviane Ressler | Philanthropist, Creative Artist |
| Terimbere | Progress | Jean de Dieu Niyonzima | Student, Top 5 O’level 2024/25 |
| Nyunganizi | Supporter/Helper | Claver Ntoyinkima | Ranger, Bird Guide, 2024 Tusk Award Winner |
| Rwogere | Famous | Michelle Yeoh Todt | Actress, Producer, UN Goodwill Ambassador |
2. It’s a big ol’ party at Kwita Izina!
The first 2.5 hours before the Gorilla Naming Ceremony were a banger of a party! Multiple singers/performers came on stage and hyped up the crowd of what I’d consider high school age.
Once the ceremony kicked off, a traditional dance occurred. (Well, I actually have no idea, but it’s my best guess.) It was the highlight of the day for me. It was beautiful, dancing was incredible, the costumes were 10/10, and everyone was stoked on it.
3. Rwanda’s Incredible Conservation Efforts on Display
At one point in time, there was fear that poachers and human encroachment would be the end of the mountain gorilla. At one point in the 1980s, the number of mountain Gorillas in the Virunga Massif (a border region between Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC) reached approximately 240.
Since then, fortunately, conservation efforts, governmental regulations, and community buy-in have helped the mountain gorillas rebound, especially in Rwanda.
Today, there are more than 600 mountain gorillas, and that number is most definitely higher. Due to COVID, the every four-year census was not completed.
Our tour guide at the Dian Fossey Center informed us that they are currently counting and will provide an updated number later this year.
4. Takes place at the base of Volcanoes National Park
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda share the volcanic region where mountain gorillas call home. Those mountains, home to Volcanoes National Park, rise to elevations over 14,500 feet. At the base of those mountains is the annual home of the Kwita Izina.
While Rwanda is generally a pretty high-elevation country, with the capital, Kigali, around 5,000 feet, we were up at 8,000 feet in elevation.
Towering 4,000 feet above the ceremony was Mount Sabyinyo. With an uneven top, it’s named after ‘Old Man’s Teeth.” I couldn’t help but look up at the green slopes and think there could be a gorilla family looking down at us at the same time.
5. A push for continued conservation and preservation
In somewhat new news, Rwanda is looking to expand Volcanoes National Park by 25%. This will help expand the gorilla territory and decrease the potential for human/gorilla interactions.
“The government plans to increase the park’s size from its current 160 square kilometres by approximately 37.4 square kilometres (3,740 hectares), a move expected to support a 15-20% increase in the gorilla population and reduce infant mortality by 50%, writes IGIHE.com.”
There’s no timeline for the growth of the park, and it will take years or decades. During our visit to the Dian Fossey Center, our tour guide discussed reforesting areas that are currently used as farmland.
I can only imagine this will have to be carefully navigated and will take time to reimburse farmers and find new land for them to use.
6. 40 namings made for a long ceremony
Our group arrived nearly 2.5 hours before the official ceremony began, which made for a looooong day at the event. Add in that we arrived the night before from Brussels, so we were feeling the jet lag effects. And then factor in that we woke up at 5am to get going.
So, unfortunately, by the end of the ceremony, I was pretty wiped and ready to get going.
But this year was an anomaly. They combined at least two years’ worth of namings into this one, making it longer than I’d imagine the Kwita Izina’s usually are.
7. A special moment to witness
It was a privilege, to say the least, to get to experience a Kwita Izina. Most citizens of Rwanda will never get to take part in a ceremony, and I know how fortunate I am to have experienced this in person.
I’ll forever remember the event, how people from all walks of life came together for a common goal – protecting mountain gorillas – and promoting conservation to preserve our planet and vulnerable species, without hindering human and economic growth.
The fact that the two can work hand in hand – conservation and economic progress – should be a shining light on the hill for other countries as well.
Fun things to know about the 2025 Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony
Michael Bay named a baby gorilla
The director of some of the world’s most famous action movies was an official namer. He named his baby gorilla Umurage, which means Heritage.
Nearly 450 New Baby Gorillas since 2005
Since the first Kwita Izina in 2005, 438 baby gorillas have been named. This process has helped the mountain gorilla flourish and grow in population in Rwanda and the surrounding areas.
Rwanda’s Prime Minister was the honorable guest
It was interesting to hear and see Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Justin Nsengiyumva. He spoke about expanding the Volcanoes National Park, the importance of conservation, and why Rwanda needs mountain gorillas.
“The story of the mountain gorillas has not always been one of celebration. Years ago, their population had alarmingly decreased, and their survival seemed uncertain. Today, we are over a thousand mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif,” he said.
“Rwanda is honored to be the custodian of these last mountain gorillas, which are not only a global treasure but also a source of pride and economic opportunity for our nation.”
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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