RWANDA NAMES 25 BABY GORILLAS DURING THE 2019 KWITA IZINA

Rwanda names 25 baby gorillas during the 2019 Kwita Izina which took place on 6th September in Kinigi. The 2019 Kwita Izina gorilla naming event marks the 15th edition since it was inaugurated in 2005 and it attracted several attendees especially celebrities, conservationists and citizens who came to witness this event. The 25 baby gorillas were given their identity by soccer legends, conservationists, those in show business and leaders from various fields worldwide. This year’s gorilla naming was graced by H.E. President Paul Kagame who was the guest of honor and it was accompanied by lots of entertainment.
The Chief Tourism Officer at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Belise Kariza, described gorilla naming as an utmost value given to such majestic creatures, a value they too deserve.

The baby gorillas named during the 15th Kwita Izina event include;
• The baby gorillas named during the 15th Kwita Izina edition include Ingando a baby gorilla from Isimbi family and this was named by Jeremy Jauncey-the Founder of Beautiful Destinations and advocate for conservation.
• Madeleine Nyiratuza is the brain behind restoration and conservation of the Gishwati Forest Reserve named Isanzure baby gorilla from Amahoro group. The name Isanzure denotes that gorillas should move freely!
• Ron Adams is the first Israel residence ambassador to Rwanda and he named Igihango baby gorilla from Sabyinyo gorilla group whose name denotes covenant symbolizing the connection between humans and God; the unbreakable bond between the gorillas and their guardians.
• Tony Adams-the English Football manager and Arsenal legend named Sura u Rwanda baby gorilla from Mafunzo gorilla group. The name Sura u Rwanda denotes ‘Visit Rwanda’ which also symbolizes the deal Rwanda has with Arsenal as its official tourism partner.
• Niklas Adalberth-the founder of Norrsken Foundation named Irembo denoting to a gateway Norrsken is creating for Rwandan entrepreneurs for their innovations which in the long run will result in a better world.
• Meddy-the Rwanda artist named Inkoramutima baby gorilla from Musirikare group. The name Inkoramutima is named after one of the singer’s early career.
• Otara Gunewardene-the Philanthropist and founder of the Otara Foundation named Kira which in Kinyarwanda denotes ‘bless you’.
• Louis Van Gaal-named Ingogozi baby gorilla which translates into an incredible recovery Rwanda has made.
• Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe named Umukuru baby mountain gorilla from the Pablo group as a tribute to the oldest elephant-Mutware in Akagera National Park that passed on in 2018.
• Ronan Donavan named Intego from Kwitonda group denoting purpose.
• Emmanuel Niringiyimana named Mugwire.
• Dame Louise Martin the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Patricia Scotland named Iruiti baby gorilla from Igisha group.
• Naomi Campbell international supermodel named Intarutwa baby gorilla from Muhoza group.
• Paul Milton and Luke Bailes named Inararibonye baby gorilla from the Pablo group. The name Inararibonye denotes wise and experienced.
• Anthony Nzuki-park ranger at Akagera National Park named Karame baby gorilla from Korea group.
• Wilfred Kiboro-Kenyan entrepreneur and philanthropist named Ituze baby gorilla from Sabyinyo group.
• Amina Mohammed-the UN Deputy Secretary-General and former Federal Minister of Environment of Nigeria named Ingoga baby gorilla from Umubano group.
• Ne-Yo, on the other hand, named Biracyaza baby gorilla (denotes great things are coming) from the Kuryama group.
• Robert Twibaze-a senior tour guide with about 12 years’ experience in Rwanda named Inzobere-which denotes expert a baby gorilla from Agashya gorilla group.
• Karen Chalyan-the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Rwanda named Umwijariko that denotes exception a baby gorilla from Ntambara group.
• Jean Nepon Musekura-the park ranger from Volcanoes National Park named Bisoke baby gorilla from Ntambara group.
• Sherrie Silver the award-winning choreographer named Ibirori baby gorilla-which also happened to be the only baby gorilla from Susa group.
• Marco Lambertini the World Wide Fund for Nature Director-General named Ikirenga baby gorilla from Kwitonda group.

This year’s Kwita Izina event also involved inauguration of community initiative in the Northern Province of Rwanda that was financed through the 10% revenue sharing scheme that was introduced by the government with the aim of enhancing the livelihoods of local residents’ adjacent protected areas. Launching such initiatives will in the long run help to enhance community participation and also create awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and protection as well as their habitat.

The 15th Kwita Izina edition also included a familiarization tour for the international tour operators, media and this took place between 30th August and 10th September 2019. This was aimed at showcasing the iconic tourist attractions and unique cultural heritage that makes Rwanda a premier safari destination in Africa. The familiarization tour included a number of activities including a visit to cultural heritage attractions especially the King’s Palace in Nyanza; Akagera National Park for a game drive for you to view variety of savanna dwellers such as lions, giraffes, zebras, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, birds among others or boat cruise along Lake Ihema for you to spot out the basking crocodiles, hippos, water birds), Volcanoes National Park (for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and many other exciting activities), Nyungwe Forest National Park and the scenic Lake Kivu.

On 6th September 2019, thousands of participants gathered to witness the absolute celebration of life as newborn infant mountain gorillas get their identity during the 15th edition of Kwita Izina. Since 2005, the Kwita Izina has been part of Rwandan tradition where the newly born mountain gorillas are named. This plays a significant role, especially with the ongoing monitoring program on every individual gorilla in its group and habitat. For 219, about 25 baby gorillas are expected to be named.

From 7th September, the Kwita Izina celebrations were accompanied by the Igitaramo cultural celebratory dinner. This cultural dinner was mainly to help fund-raise money which in turn will be used to facilitate most of the continuing successful wildlife conservation initiatives in Rwanda including the expansion of gorilla habitat. Be among the very few to share success conservation story of this remarkable landlocked country and also assist protect wildlife and biodiversity for both current and future generations. The Igitaramo Cultural dinner was distinctly Rwandan dinner and it was accompanied by lots of entertainment and local style cuisine.
From 8th to 9th September, the Kwita Izina gorilla naming event closed with the Business of Conservation Conference in Kigali and comprised of delegates worldwide. This was organized by the African Leadership Group, the Business of Conservation Conference with the aim of catalyzing economic development in Africa by drawing together influential leaders to collaborate in tangible ways around one of Africa’s unique competitive advantages, its rare biodiversity.

From 7th to 9th September, the Kwita Izina event included conservation exhibition where Rwanda exhibited its incredible achievements in conservation practices by showcasing different educational materials, conservation and tourism like products and services offered. This year’s Kwita Izina gorilla naming attracted prominent personalities like Tony Adams, Naomi Campbell, Ne-Yo, and many others.