Rwanda’s Kwita Izina Returns With 40 Gorillas to Be Named

This 20th edition of the annual naming event will include 18 gorillas born in 2024. The ceremony, a symbol of Rwanda’s conservation efforts and cultural heritage, was postponed in 2024 due to a Marburg virus outbreak, which would have marked its 21st edition.

Irène Murerwa, Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, said the return of Kwita Izina reflects national pride in Rwanda’s biodiversity conservation.

“We are proud to celebrate 20 years of Kwita Izina, a ceremony that embodies conservation, community, and culture,” Murerwa said. “Thanks to the tireless support from the Government of Rwanda, partners, and communities, this milestone is possible.”

Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population continues to grow. According to Murerwa, the number of gorillas in the Virunga Massif has increased from 880 in 2012 to more than 1,063 today, citing community-driven conservation models as a key factor in the success.

Since its inception in 2005, the Kwita Izina ceremony has named 397 baby gorillas and earned global recognition for promoting environmental protection and ecotourism.

This year’s celebrations will also honor park rangers and local residents who play a role in safeguarding gorilla habitats. Additional events include a golf tournament and a formal gala dinner on Sept. 6.

According to RDB’s 2024 annual report, tourism generated $647 million for Rwanda—an increase of 4.3% compared to the previous year. The report also noted a 27% boost in revenue from gorilla-based tourism alone.