Rwanda Celebrates 20th Edition of Gorilla Naming Ceremony
On Friday, 05 September 2025, Rwanda hosted the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony, in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, in Kinigi, Musanze District.
The ceremony brought together Government Officials, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, International Celebrities, Business Leaders, Conservation Experts, and thousands of local Community Members. Among the distinguished guests were Her Excellency Jeannette Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda; Rt. Hon. Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda; and Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board.
This year, 40 baby gorillas received names bestowed by an array of global leaders, artists, football icons, conservation advocates, and Rwanda’s own rangers, trackers, and veterinary specialists. The group included 22 gorillas born in 2023 whose naming had been postponed, together with 18 born between 2024 and 2025.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva underscored Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and community development. He stated: “Rwanda is honoured 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. But success brings new challenges. As gorilla families grow, we must expand their habitat. Rwanda has set out a bold plan to extend the Volcanoes National Park by nearly 25% to ensure the next generation of gorillas has a secure home. This effort will also improve the lives of surrounding communities, demonstrating once again that conservation and development can go hand in hand. We call on the world to join us in this ambitious project, as we share this responsibility.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, reflected on Rwanda’s conservation achievements and the global partnerships that have contributed to this progress. “This is a historic moment in Rwanda’s conservation journey, one we are proud to share with friends and partners from across the globe. Today, Kwita Izina stands as a symbol of Rwanda’s determination to protect its natural heritage, uplift communities, and share our biodiversity with the world. Let us celebrate the conservation milestones we have achieved and renew our shared commitment to the next 20 years of progress,” he said.
Kwita Izina, inspired by the ancestral Rwandan tradition of naming newborn children, has become a prominent national occasion since its inception in 2005. It brings together local communities, international visitors, and regional stakeholders, while underscoring the central role of communities in safeguarding wildlife. Over the past two decades, Kwita Izina has named 438 baby mountain gorillas.
The event also highlights a remarkable conservation achievement: mountain gorillas are the only great ape species whose numbers are rising. Kwita Izina event has grown into a distinguished celebration of Rwanda’s success in protecting and increasing these endangered primates, while also evolving into Africa’s leading platform for dialogue on conservation and tourism.
The namers for this year’s Kwita Izina are:
- Princess Ingeborg Zu Schleswig-Holstein – German artist, philanthropist, Chairperson of the Louisenlund Foundation.
- His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz – Prince of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia & President, WWF Malaysia.
- Professor Senait Fisseha MD, JD – Vice President of Global Programs, Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation & Chief Advisor, WHO.
- Sang-Hyup Kim – Director-General, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
- David S. Marriott – Chairman, Marriott International.
- Dr Yin Ye – CEO, BGI Group & Science Popularization Vlogger.
- Charlie Mayhew & Caroline Mayhew – Co-founder and CEO, Tusk Trust.
- Claver Ntoyinkima – Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer, Nyungwe National Park.
- Michael Bay – Award-winning American film director and producer.
- Michelle Yeoh Todt – Internationally acclaimed actress & UNDP Goodwill Ambassador.
- Jean Todt – UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Motorsport Executive, former President of FIA.
- Matthew Harris – Founding Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners & Senior Managing Director, BlackRock.
- Jeanine Rema (Khadja Nin) – Internationally acclaimed Burundian singer, songwriter, and humanitarian.
- Mathieu Flamini – Arsenal Legend & CEO, GFBiochemicals.
- Laura Kabasomi Kakoma (‘Somi’) – Rwandan-American vocalist, composer, actor, and playwright.
- Yemi Alade – Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter.
- Reed Oppenheimer – Chairman and CEO, Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation.
- Athanasie Mukabizimungu – Founder and Chairperson, Imbereheza Gahunga.
- Dr Edward Hult – CEO, Education First North America.
- Suzanne Sinegal – Co-Founder and President, Rwanda Girls Initiative & Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology.
- Gagan Gupta – Entrepreneur, Conservationist, Builder of Africa’s Green Future.
- Camille Rebelo – Founder and CEO, EcoPlanet Bamboo.
- Luis Garcia – Atlético de Madrid Legend & Football Analyst, ESPN.
- Bacary Sagna – Arsenal Legend.
- Xi Zhinong – Renowned Chinese wildlife photographer & Founder of “Wild China” film.
- Lee Ehmke – Conservation leader, former President and CEO of Houston Zoo.
- Susan Chin – Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
- Javier Pastore – PSG Legend.
- Ruth Fisher – Corporate Attorney & President, Pereg Holdings.
- Vivien Ressler – Creative and Philanthropist.
- Jean de Dieu Niyonzima – Student, Educational Institute for Blind Children, Nyaruguru District.
Virtual Namers
- Khaby Lame – Content creator and social media personality.
- Alliance Umwizerwa – Gorilla Research Assistant, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
- Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga – Field Veterinary, Gorilla Doctors.
- Dieudonne Gato – Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.
- Theogene Bimenyimana – Head Tracker, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
- Brenda Umutoni – Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.
- Leonard Nsengiyumva – Data Technician, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
- Jean Marie Vianney (JMV) Zirimwabagabo – Ranger, Volcanoes National Park
- Naume Mukabarisa – Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.
