1st October 2025

Celebrating New Lives: Rwanda’s Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony

In September, the rolling hills and volcanic peaks of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda came alive with celebration as the annual Kwita Izina ceremony took place. This event, which means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda’s national language, honours each newborn mountain gorilla with a meaningful name making a renewed promise to their protection. Since 2005, over four hundred baby gorillas have been welcomed into the world in this way, and every year the ceremony brings together rangers, researchers, local families, and international visitors to celebrate the newest members of these endangered populations. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the tradition, which draws inspiration from centuries-old Rwandan customs where communities gather to name human infants.

Kwita Izina is as much a celebration of life as it is a reflection of the close connection between people and wildlife. By giving each baby gorilla a name, the ceremony creates a personal bond that inspires care and awareness for the species. Attendees witness the young gorillas in their natural habitat, share stories, and honour the ongoing efforts of those who protect them. The event highlights the dedication of trackers, rangers, veterinarians, and local communities who play a daily role in safeguarding these gentle animals.

Mountain gorillas remain one of the world’s most vulnerable species. Decades of poaching, habitat loss, and disease once pushed them to the brink. Careful conservation efforts, including habitat protection, anti-poaching patrols, and scientific monitoring, have enabled their numbers to recover, but the work continues. Each newborn gorilla is a reminder of the importance of vigilance, research, and community engagement to ensure a secure future for the species.

Rwanda’s dramatic landscape, made up of towering volcanic mountains, misty forests, and terraced hills, supports some of Africa’s densest human populations. Space is limited, and thus the tussle for resources is often a challenge in gorilla protection. Initiatives linked to conservation, such as community projects and eco-tourism, show how safeguarding wildlife can also support human wellbeing, creating a model where both people and animals can thrive.

At The Gorilla Organization, events like Kwita Izina resonate deeply with our mission. We work to protect gorilla habitats, support field research, and uplift communities living alongside the habitat. The ceremony reminds us of why this work matters: celebrating life, connecting people with wildlife, and securing a future where mountain gorillas continue to flourish in their natural home.

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