Rwanda Names 40 Baby Gorillas in 20th Kwita Izina Ceremony

This year, 40 baby gorillas from 15 different families were given names in a colorful event graced by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as the guest of honor, alongside the First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, and other high-ranking officials.

In his address, the Prime Minister urged Musanze residents to continue safeguarding gorillas, underscoring their immense value to the nation. “Always remember that these gorillas are a priceless treasure we must protect together,” he said.

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean Guy Africa stressed that the Volcanoes National Park and its biodiversity, when well-preserved, provide significant benefits to both the country and its people. He revealed that in the past two decades, 10 percent of park revenues have been invested in community projects worth 18 billion Rwandan francs, including schools, health facilities, markets, and housing.

Local communities around the park say the revenue-sharing scheme has greatly improved their lives, sparing them long journeys to access education, healthcare, and clean water.

Kwita Izina has become a global symbol of Rwanda’s conservation efforts, celebrating not only the protection of the endangered mountain gorillas but also the shared prosperity that comes with it.