The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) concluded the 17th edition of the  Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony that took place virtually on September 24, 2021.  In the ceremony, 24 baby mountain gorillas born in the last 12 months were named by conservation partners, friends of Rwanda and special guests.

You can see and download pictures of this year's baby gorilla's on THIS LINK.  Also you can view the ceremony on Kwita Izina 2021.

Below are a few facts on Rwanda's gorilla conservation success and a bit of what makes Rwanda special.

• The act of naming a newborn baby has been part of Rwandan culture and a tradition for

          centuries. This is the tradition that “Kwita Izina” is based on. #KwitaIzina

• For three decades before the first official gorilla naming ceremony, the naming of baby

           gorillas was carried out by rangers and researchers.

• The Kwita Izina ceremony was first introduced in 2005 and is now in its 17th year. This

           year, 24 baby gorillas will be named. Today, Kwita Izina is Rwanda’s flagship conservation
           event.

• A total of 328 baby mountain gorillas have been named since Kwita Izina was introduced

          in 2005. By giving a name to these majestic animals, they are given the value they
          undoubtedly deserve.

• Through Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Sharing program, 10% of revenues from visits to the

          country’s national parks is invested in projects in the agriculture, health, infrastructure
          and education sectors to improve the livelihoods of communities living around the parks.

• Today Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve Rwanda’s natural

          heritage and further expand the role of tourism in the country’s transformation. As a
          result of the naming ceremony, Rwandans from all walks of life understand the intrinsic
          value of gorillas and their contribution to the country’s development.

• Rwanda is grateful for your support as a conservation partner and a friend of the

          country.