Highlights of 2022 Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda

Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda was indeed amazing, where 20 newborn mountain gorillas will be given names, and distinguished Namers, conservationists, community members, and Friends of Rwanda gathered for the 18th Edition of this fantastic gorilla naming ceremony.

Kwita Izina is Rwanda’s annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony held at Volcanoes National Park. Key namers include HRH The Prince of Wales, global leaders, philanthropists, famous footballers, and conservation champions. BOOK NOW

The excitement was so high during the ceremony and some of the names of the newborns included

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales named a baby gorilla  Ubwuzuzanye, which means Harmony since the restoration of harmony between nature, people and the planet is the most critical issue facing humanity.

Rhadia Salma, A Rwandan International Football Referee named a baby gorilla Kwibohora, which means Liberation – chosen to highlight the role liberation has played in conservation as a foundation of sustainable tourism and development.

Stewart Maginnis, Deputy Director of IUCN named a baby gorilla Nyirindekwe, which means Protector. It was chosen to celebrate the protective nature of the mountain gorillas, and their role as guardians of their forest habitat.

Naomi Schiff, Professional Racing Driver, and Presenter named a baby gorilla Imbaduko, which means Vivacity. This name was chosen to celebrate the unwavering commitment of the Rwandan people to the protection of the mountain gorillas.

Sir Ian Clark Wood, Chairman of TWF_Scotland named a baby gorilla Ubusugire, which means Integrity. This name was chosen to celebrate the efforts of communities and conservationists to protect and ensure the integrity of Rwanda’s biodiverse national parks.

Itzhak Fisher Chairman of the Rwanda Development Board named Baby gorilla Intare, which means Lion, after my Father-in-Law, a Holocaust survivor who was called Leo, which also means lion. This name also recognizes the successful reintroduction of lions in Akagera National Park.

Dr. Cindy Descalzi Pereira named the baby gorilla Ubwitange, which means Sacrifice. This name was chosen to recognize the selflessness and dedication of park staff, local communities, and conservation partners to the conservation of biodiversity.

Thomas Milz, Board Director, Sales, and Marketing VWGroup  South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa named a baby gorilla Ruragendwa which means Hospitable. This name recognizes the welcoming nature of Rwandans, and the famous Rwandan hospitality visitors enjoy.

Youssou N’Dour, Senegalese musician, Legendary musician named a baby gorilla Ihuriro, which means Hub. This name was chosen to showcase Rwanda as a vibrant hub for music, fashion and culture, as well as eco-tourism and investment.

Juan Pablo PSG-English Legend named a baby gorilla Ikuzo, which means Admirable. This name was chosen to recognize the admirable and noble nature of the mountain gorillas.

Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of Africa Wildlife Fund, named a baby gorilla Indatezuka, which means Resilient. This name was chosen to highlight the resilience of the Rwandan people and the protection of the country’s biodiversity.

Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie named a baby gorilla Turikumwe, which means We Are Together. The name has special significance for Rwandans because we have chosen to be and stay together. On est ensemble!

GilbertoSilva, a Football star and legend named a baby gorilla Impanda, which means Trumpet. This name was chosen to serve as a call to action for us all to play our part in protecting and restoring biodiversity.

Didier Drogba, the popular African football Legend named a baby gorilla Ishami, which means Offspring. This name was chosen to showcase the importance of the newborn gorillas as “offsprings” that symbolize expansion and growth.

Other namers included Neri Bukspan, Managing Director, Standard & Poor’s Credit Market Service, Stewart Maginnis, Deputy Director General, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Uzoamaka Aduba, American actress and three-time Emmy Award winner, Sauti Sol, Musical Band from Kenya, Dr. Evan Antin, renowned veterinarian, and television presenter, Moses Turahirwa, Founder and Creative Director of Moshions, Lauren Powell Jobs, Founder and President of Emerson Collective, Cindy Descalzi Pereira, Philanthropist and Chairperson of Global Events Africa, Ian Clark Wood, Chairman of the Wood Foundation.

Rwanda safaris are truly special. An ideal destination for out-of-this-world game viewing, absolute luxury, mesmerizing landscapes, and incredible gorilla trekking tours, luxury helicopter safaris, it is clear to see why Rwanda is the best safari place in Africa.