Kwita Izina 2025: Rwanda's Gorilla Naming Ceremony Marks 20 Years in Conservation
Summary: Celebrate 20 impactful years of Rwanda's Kwita Izina ceremony in 2025. Twenty baby gorillas will be named, spotlighting conservation, eco-tourism, and culture.
In September 2024, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced that 22 baby gorillas would be named during the highly anticipated Kwita Izina ceremony originally scheduled for October 18, 2024. However, on October 8, 2024, the event was postponed following the detection of the Marburg virus outbreak in the country.
Kwita Izina and Its Cultural Significance
Kwita Izina, rooted in Rwandan culture, is a public ceremony celebrating the naming of children. Traditionally, park rangers and researchers have taken on the responsibility of naming baby gorillas to ensure easy monitoring of their health and family structures.
Since its official inception in 2005, Kwita Izina has been transformed into a celebrated annual occasion, revolutionizing eco-tourism and exemplifying Rwanda's steadfast commitment to wildlife conservation. This unique event underscores the nation’s dedication to protecting its extraordinary natural heritage.
The ceremony also serves as a platform to recognize the communities near gorilla habitats—especially those surrounding Volcanoes National Park—and bring attention to conservation partners such as researchers, wildlife veterinarians, and park rangers, whose ongoing efforts safeguard these incredible creatures.
Impact Over the Years
In its 17-year history, Kwita Izina has named over 395 baby gorillas, setting a global example in environmental conservation. This event is part of a comprehensive program aimed at preserving Rwanda’s ecosystems and promoting tourism as a pillar of sustainable development.
Kwita Izina has furthered public consciousness, inspiring Rwandans to value gorillas not only as natural treasures but also as vital assets to conservation. Many have committed themselves to protecting these majestic animals.
Today, Rwanda is recognized as a leader in environmental preservation and sustainable tourism across Africa.
Take the 2010 gorilla census for example—it counted 480 gorillas, followed by a significant rise to 604 in 2016 within the Virunga landscape. This population growth contributed profoundly to the global tally of mountain gorillas, which now stands at 1,063. Importantly, these remarkable creatures are no longer classified as critically endangered.
Rwanda’s tourism revenues have mirrored this success. Before 2018, annual tourism income stood at $180 million. However, data from 2023 indicated that this figure had soared to $620 million.
As part of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda’s government targets an annual tourism revenue of over $1.1 billion within the next five years.
Kwita Izina: A Symbol of Rwanda’s Commitment
Kwita Izina symbolizes Rwanda’s innovative approach to merging conservation, economic growth, and community engagement, with tourism at the forefront.
At a press briefing held on September 25, 2024, Ariella Kageruka, Head of Tourism at RDB, highlighted Kwita Izina's importance as a distinctly Rwandan event. While international guests are welcomed, she stressed the unique value placed on Rwandans being at the heart of this celebration.
She stated, “Rwandans are not excluded from Kwita Izina. As you know, this event is rooted in Rwandan culture. Rwandans are included among the participants, and we have special things planned for them.”
The 20th edition of Kwita Izina, scheduled for September 5, 2025, will feature the naming ceremony of 22 baby gorillas, set against the scenic backdrop of Kinigi, in Musanze District.
To date, Kwita Izina has named 395 young gorillas, highlighting Rwanda’s unwavering dedication to conservation.