Rwanda’s Adored Gorillas Prepare for Their Christening
Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s cherished annual mountain gorilla naming tradition, is returning to the lush slopes of the Virunga Mountains on 1 September 2023. The much-anticipated event will see another class of Rwanda’s newest baby mountain gorillas receive their monikers in a heartwarming ceremony.
Kwita Izina, meaning “to give a name” in the native Kinyarwanda, has become one of Rwanda’s most celebrated national events since its inception in 2005. During the ceremony, chosen namers from local communities, conservation groups and honored guests reveal the names bestowed upon recent gorilla births in Volcanoes National Park.
The occasion recognizes Rwanda’s remarkable success in mountain gorilla conservation. Thanks to intense protection efforts, the mountain gorilla population has grown over 60% in the last 20 years, reviving from an estimated 380 individuals in 2003 to over 600 today. Their recovery remains one of the world’s greatest wildlife conservation achievements.
This year’s Kwita Izina will take place in Kinigi sector of Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda’s Musanze District. The 2023 class is set to have 23 baby gorillas receive their new names, which often represent their personalities or commemorate loved ones.
Thousands will gather as Kwita Izina affirms Rwanda’s deep connection to these great apes that exist solely in this region. Moreover, the country has emerged as a trailblazer for sustainable development and wildlife conservation. The ceremony allows Rwanda to proudly showcase its commitment to protecting these iconic gentle giants.
Kwita Izina has also become a major fixture on Rwanda’s tourism calendar, drawing visitors from across the globe. While the naming ceremony is the highlight, the weeklong Kwita Izina festivities include community outreach programs, conservation discussions, and cultural performances leading up to the main event.
Rwanda looks to Kwita Izina as an opportunity to share its conservation success with the world. The growth of the mountain gorilla population – Rwanda’s wildlife pride and joy – inspires the country to push forward as a regional pioneer in responsible tourism and ecological stewardship.
For more information you can check out Kwita Izina homepage
Emmanuel Omogunwa
Author
