Rwanda's gorilla naming ceremony celebrates 40 newborns

Kigali: Rwanda s annual gorilla naming ceremony, known locally as Kwita Izina, took place Friday, with 40 baby gorillas named by global leaders, artis...

Kigali: Rwanda's annual gorilla naming ceremony, known locally as Kwita Izina, took place Friday, with 40 baby gorillas named by global leaders, artists, football legends, conservationists, and Rwandan rangers.

Now in its 20th edition, the event was held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, northern Rwanda. Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, who presided over the ceremony, reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding the park by 25 percent to secure a future for the species.

Eighteen of the baby gorillas named were born in 2024.

Nsengiyumva noted the story of the mountain gorillas has not always been one of celebration, as years ago, their population had alarmingly decreased, and their survival seemed uncertain.

"However, thanks to the leadership of Rwanda, the dedication of passionate conservationists, the daily sacrifices of rangers, and the commitment of our communities, the gorillas came back from the brink," he said.