Rwanda is set to host the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony, on Friday, September 5, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District.
This year, 40 baby mountain gorillas will receive names during the celebration, which has grown into a world-renowned symbol of Rwanda’s conservation efforts for the once critically endangered species. Since its launch in 2005, Kwita Izina has named 435 baby gorillas, cementing its place as one of the most significant conservation events globally.
Initially a local tradition, Kwita Izina has evolved into an international attraction that draws prominent figures from across conservation, sports, business, entertainment, and philanthropy. Alongside global icons, rangers, researchers, and community representatives will also participate in the ceremony, both in person and virtually.
First Lady Jeannette Kagame and namers pose for a group photo at the 20th edition of Kwita Izina at Kinigi in Musanze on Friday, September 5. All photos by Dan Gatsinzi and Olivier Mugwiza
Who are the namers for this year?
- 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
Gabriel UZABAKIRIHO / KIGALI TIMES