Kwita Izina 2025: Rwanda Celebrates 20 Years of Gorilla Naming with 40 Baby Gorillas

In 2025, Rwanda is celebrating a very special milestone – the 20th Anniversary of Kwita Izina, the world-famous Gorilla Naming Ceremony. This annual event has become more than just a cultural tradition; it is now a global celebration of conservation, community, and Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its mountain gorillas.

This year’s ceremony will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi. A total of 40 baby gorillas will be named, marking another chapter in Rwanda’s conservation journey. The theme for 2025 is: “A legacy of community-centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all.”

 The Significance of Kwita Izina

Kwita Izina is not only about giving names to baby gorillas. It is a powerful symbol of Rwanda’s conservation success over the past two decades. When the ceremony first started in 2005, Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population was under serious threat. Today, thanks to community involvement, government leadership, and conservation partnerships, mountain gorillas are one of the world’s best examples of how endangered species can recover.

This year’s 20th edition is therefore more than just a naming event. It is a celebration of 20 years of achievements in protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity, strengthening local communities, and promoting sustainable tourism.

Key Highlights of Kwita Izina 2025

1. Naming 40 Baby Gorillas

A total of 40 newborn gorillas will receive their official names. Out of these:

• 22 gorillas were born in 2023 but could not be named at the time, so their naming was postponed.
• 18 gorillas were born between 2024 and 2025.

Each gorilla will be given a meaningful name chosen by special guests, including conservationists, global leaders, community representatives, and celebrities who support Rwanda’s conservation vision. These names often reflect themes of hope, nature, unity, and culture.

2. Conservation Exhibition

Kwita Izina is also an opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s conservation journey. Exhibitions will highlight the work of rangers, researchers, and partners who dedicate their lives to protecting wildlife. Visitors will learn about Rwanda’s progress in:

• Habitat protection within Volcanoes National Park.
• Community-led projects that link conservation with local livelihoods.
• Tourism development that benefits both people and nature.

3. Cultural Performances

Rwanda’s rich culture will take center stage during the celebrations. Expect to see:

• Traditional Rwandan music and dance, performed by local cultural troupes.
• Storytelling sessions, where elders share the meaning of gorilla protection in Rwandan heritage.
• Art and crafts exhibitions, showcasing local creativity inspired by gorillas and nature.

These performances remind the world that conservation is not just about animals it is also about people, history, and identity.

4. Community Involvement

One of the most inspiring aspects of Kwita Izina is the active participation of local communities. From the very beginning, Rwanda understood that conservation success depends on people living near the park. That is why Kwita Izina shines a spotlight on:

• Community rangers, who patrol and protect gorillas daily.
• Local families, who share in tourism revenues through development projects like schools, clinics, and roads.
• Youth and women’s groups, who use gorilla conservation as a platform for entrepreneurship, such as eco-tourism and cultural activities.

This community-centered approach has made Rwanda a global model for sustainable conservation.

Why Kwita Izina Matters Globally

Kwita Izina is no longer just a national event. It has become a global platform for conservation awareness. Each year, leaders, celebrities, conservationists, and tourists from around the world join Rwanda in celebrating. The event:

• Raises global awareness about protecting endangered species.
• Attracts sustainable tourism, which supports Rwanda’s economy.
• Inspires other countries to adopt community-based conservation models.

By linking culture with conservation, Kwita Izina has shown the world that saving wildlife can also uplift people and preserve heritage.

Looking Back: 20 Years of Kwita Izina

Since its launch in 2005, Kwita Izina has:

• Named over 400 baby gorillas, each with a unique story and identity.
• Contributed to the recovery of mountain gorillas, now listed as “endangered” instead of “critically endangered.”
• Inspired conservation education, especially among young Rwandans.
• Generated global recognition for Rwanda as a leader in responsible tourism.

These 20 years prove that long-term commitment brings results, not only for wildlife but also for communities.

Kwita Izina 2025 is more than just a celebration. It is a reminder of how far Rwanda has come in 20 years of conservation, culture, and community leadership. With 40 baby gorillas being named under a powerful theme, the event symbolizes hope, unity, and the promise of a sustainable future.

As the world gathers in Kinigi on September 5, 2025, Kwita Izina will once again show that Rwanda is not only protecting gorillas but also building a legacy that belongs to all humanity. Kwita Izina is not just about names it is about a future where people and nature thrive together.