Gorilla Naming in Rwanda: Everything to Know About Kwita Izina and Gorilla Names

In 2005, Rwanda’s tourism authority officially launched an annual public celebration known as the Gorilla Naming Ceremony, inspired by a long-standing cultural tradition. Organized to honor the birth of baby gorillas throughout the year, the event also recognizes the vital work of conservationists, rangers, and communities dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Kwita Izina is an annual Gorilla Naming ceremony, translating directly to “To Give a Name. It finds it’s origins in an ancient Rwandan tradition of the same name, where the naming of a child was done as a celebration of the child’s life, in the presence of beloved friends and family, and with the input and consideration of the family and community. Choosing gorilla names is a very high honor. The current ceremony has been in place since 2005, and has functioned as a way to spread awareness, bring people together, and unite in celebrating Rwanda’s as a wonderful tourist destination.

Mountain gorillas share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans, and Rwanda is home to about one-third of the global mountain gorilla population. Given the deep-rooted Rwandan tradition of naming newborns, the tourism and conservation authorities—along with local communities—found it meaningful to extend this cultural practice to gorillas, symbolizing their value and the nation’s commitment to their protection.

List of gorilla names:

A few famous celebrities have been given the chance to, alongside community members, choose and give gorilla names during the Kwita Izina ceremony. Here are a few notable gorilla names and meanings in Kinyarwanda:

Narame – “Long Life”

• Named by: Idris Elba & Sabrina Dhowre Elba (Actor and UN Goodwill Ambassador + Model/Activist)

• Mother: Mudakama (Mutobo Group)

• Born: October 29, 2022

Gakondo – “Tradition”

• Named by: Ne-Yo (American R&B Singer)

• Mother: Kurinda (Sabyinyo Group)

• Born: October 2, 2018

Intarutwa – “Rare”

• Named by: Naomi Campbell (British Supermodel)

• Mother: Izihirwa (Musirikare Group)

• Born: October 9, 2018

Inkingi – “Pillar”

• Named by: Tony Adams (Former England Football Captain)

• Mother: Icyamamare (Muhoza Group)

• Born: September 18, 2018

Aguka – “Expansion”

• Named by: Danai Gurira (Actress known for Black Panther and The Walking Dead)

• Mother: Ishyaka (Mutobo Group)

• Born: October 8, 2022

Gorillas are more like us than most people realize, since they share over 98% of our DNA, form close family bonds, and even show emotions like joy, fear, and grief. In Rwanda, where gorillas are not only a conservation triumph but also a symbol of national identity, naming them is treated with deep respect. It’s not just about giving a name, it’s about acknowledging a life, a personality, and a future worth protecting. Just like we name our children to welcome them into the world and give them a sense of belonging, Rwandans name baby gorillas to celebrate their birth and honor the efforts of everyone working to keep them safe in the wild.

Kwita Izina was postponed last year due to the Marburg virus outbreak, so there’s a real sense of anticipation around its return this year. The ceremony has become an important part of Rwanda’s conservation story, and many people both locally and internationally are looking forward to seeing it back. It’s a moment to recognize new gorilla births and the work being done to protect them, and after the break, it feels even more meaningful.

Want to contribute to gorilla conservation?

You can get involved in gorilla conservation by booking a gorilla trekking package. These experiences directly support conservation efforts and local communities. Here are some of our options:

• 1-Day Gorilla Trek: A short, unforgettable trek to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

• 2-Day Gorilla Trek: Enjoy a longer stay with a second trek or a visit to local attractions.

• 3-Day Gorilla Trek: Combine gorilla trekking with cultural experiences and a deeper exploration of Rwanda’s beauty.