Rwanda to name 40 baby gorillas in 20th Kwita Izina ceremony on September 5

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced that the Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming ceremony will take place on September 5, 2025, in Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park.

A total of 40 baby gorillas will be named, including 18 born in 2024, marking the 20th edition of this iconic event in Rwanda.

Originally, this year would have been the 21st ceremony, but the 2024 edition was postponed due to the Marburg virus outbreak in the country.

Irène Murerwa, Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, said it is a great honor for Rwanda to host Kwita Izina once again.

She said the ceremony has become a symbol of conservation, community, and Rwandan culture, and expressed gratitude for the efforts and support of the Government of Rwanda, partners, and local communities.

She added that the event comes at a time when the mountain gorilla population continues to grow. The number of gorillas in the Virunga massif has increased from 880 in 2012 to over 1,063 today. This is a direct result of community-based and collaborative conservation efforts.

This year’s Kwita Izina will also honor community members and park rangers who play a crucial role in protecting gorillas in Rwanda.

The ceremony will be accompanied by side events such as a golf tournament and a gala dinner on September 6.

Since its inception in 2005, 397 baby gorillas have been named through this globally recognized conservation initiative.