{"id":55509,"date":"2025-09-05T20:31:04","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T20:31:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/kwita-izina-the-stories-behind-40-baby-gorillas-names-and-their-star-namers\/"},"modified":"2025-09-09T09:52:18","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T09:52:18","slug":"kwita-izina-the-stories-behind-40-baby-gorillas-names-and-their-star-namers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/kwita-izina-the-stories-behind-40-baby-gorillas-names-and-their-star-namers\/","title":{"rendered":"Kwita Izina: The stories behind 40 baby gorillas\u2019 names and their star namers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The event brought together leaders from the entertainment, sports, business, science, and conservation sectors, reflecting the growing global recognition of Rwanda\u2019s conservation efforts. Distinguished guests included Rwanda\u2019s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame; Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva; Rwanda Development Board CEO Jean Guy Afrika; and the Governor of the Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde.<\/p>\n<p>This year, 40 baby gorillas were named, with several names chosen by prominent figures from around the world. International celebrities and global leaders\u2014ranging from actors and musicians to sports icons and conservation advocates\u2014participated in the naming, using their influence to shine a spotlight on Rwanda\u2019s mountain gorillas and the country\u2019s commitment to wildlife protection.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93943 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/axx_6214_1_-8cace-2.jpg\" alt=\"This year, 40 baby gorillas were named, with several names chosen by prominent figures from around the world. \" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Among the named gorillas were 18 born in 2024, whose naming had been delayed due to the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. Families represented at the ceremony included Muhoza, Kwitonda, Matsiko Cyuzuzo, Kwisanga, Pablo, and others, highlighting the thriving diversity of Rwanda\u2019s mountain gorilla population.<\/p>\n<p>Kwita Izina, which means \u201cto give a name\u201d in Kinyarwanda, is more than a symbolic gesture. It celebrates Rwanda\u2019s conservation achievements, the essential role of local communities in protecting biodiversity, and the survival story of endangered mountain gorillas.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93942 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ec1a0043-3-c0c4b-2.jpg\" alt=\"Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter, Yemi Alade, attended the event.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Below is the full list of the 40 named gorillas and the meaning behind their names:<\/p>\n<p>{{1. Mushumbamwiza<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Mushumbamwiza is a male baby gorilla from the Hirwa family, born on October 19, 2024, to Igihembo. His name means \u201cgood shepherd\u201d and was given by Alliance Umwizerwa, Gorilla Research Assistant at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.<\/p>\n<p>{{2. Unguka<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Unguka is a male from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on July 26, 2024, to Ruhuka. His name means \u201cgain.\u201d He was named by Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, a field veterinarian with Gorilla Doctors.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93945 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ec1a0003-2-35842-3.jpg\" alt=\"Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva presided over the ceremony.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{3. Rufatiro<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Rufatiro is a male from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on November 2, 2024, to Umwe. His name means \u201cfoundation.\u201d He was named by Dieudonn\u00e9 Gato, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.<\/p>\n<p>{{4. Amahitamo<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Amahitamo is a male from the Mutobo family, born on April 27, 2024, to Ishyaka. His name means \u201cchoice.\u201d He was named by Th\u00e9og\u00e8ne Bimenyimana, Head Tracker, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.<\/p>\n<p>{{5. Tsinda<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Tsinda, whose sex is unknown, is from the Hirwa family, born on June 1, 2025, to Magayane. The name means \u201cwin.\u201d Tsinda was named by Brenda Umutoni, a ranger at Volcanoes National Park.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93946 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ec1a9805-3-e91d8-3.jpg\" alt=\"Distinguished guests included Rwanda\u2019s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{6. Atete<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Atete is a female from the Mutobo family, born on September 28, 2023, to Akariza. Her name means \u201cto receive affection.\u201d She was named by Leonard Nsengiyumva, Data Technician, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.<\/p>\n<p>{{7. Umutoni<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Umutoni is a female from the Kwitonda family, born on April 6, 2024, to Rwunguko. Her name means \u201cfavourite.\u201d She was named by Jean Marie Vianney Zirimwabagabo, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.<\/p>\n<p>{{8. Kwihangana<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Kwihangana, whose sex is unknown, is from the Kwisanga family, born on March 16, 2025, to Aheza. The name means \u201cpatience.\u201d Kwihangana was named by Naume Mukabarisa, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93940 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ec1a0046-9-b95a2-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{9. Ogera<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Ogera\u2019s details were not disclosed during the ceremony. The name means \u201cpopular.\u201d This baby was named by Khaby Lame, a globally renowned content creator and social media personality.<\/p>\n<p>{{10. Burere<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Burere is a female from the Muhoza family, born on October 3, 2024, to Iriba. Her name means \u201cupbringing.\u201d She was named by Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein, a German artist, philanthropist, and Chairperson of the Louisenlund Foundation.<\/p>\n<p>{{11. Ntarungu<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Ntarungu is a female from the Kwitonda family, born on April 29, 2024, to Gahuza. Her name means \u201ccompanionship\u201d or \u201centhusiastic.\u201d She was named by His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Prince of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and President of WWF Malaysia.<\/p>\n<p>{{12. Mwizerwa<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Mwizerwa is a female from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on April 20, 2024, to Umuco. Her name means \u201creliable.\u201d She was named by Professor Senait Fisseha, MD, JD, Vice President of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and Chief Advisor to the WHO.<\/p>\n<p>{{13. Impuguke<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Impuguke is a female from the Kwisanga family, born on July 21, 2024, to Ahazaza. Her name means \u201cexpert.\u201d She was named by Sang-Hyup Kim, Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute.<\/p>\n<p>{{14. Rugwiro<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Rugwiro is a male from the Pablo family, born on January 22, 2024, to Ubukombe. His name means \u201chospitable.\u201d He was named by David S. Marriott, Chairman of Marriott International.<\/p>\n<p>{{15. Tekana<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Tekana is a female from the Isimbi family, born on December 24, 2023, to Africa. Her name means \u201cfeel secure.\u201d She was named by Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group and science popularisation vlogger.<\/p>\n<p>{{16. Ntavogerwa<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Ntavogerwa is a male from the Agashya family, born on December 14, 2024, to Inyungu. His name means \u201cuntouchable.\u201d He was named by Charlie Mayhew, Co-founder and CEO of Tusk Trust.<\/p>\n<p>{{17. Nyunganizi<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Nyunganizi is a male from the Mutobo family, born on November 18, 2024, to Akamaro. His name means \u201csupporter\u201d or \u201chelper.\u201d He was named by Claver Ntoyinkima, Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer, Nyungwe National Park.<\/p>\n<p>{{18. Umurage<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Umurage, whose sex is unknown, is from the Hirwa family, born on May 22, 2024, to Umoja. The name means \u201cheritage.\u201d Umurage was named by Michael Bay, an award-winning American film director and producer.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93947 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ec1a0137-5-47c44-29c03.jpg\" alt=\"Bay named one baby gorilla Umurage, meaning \u201cheritage\u201d.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{19. Rwogere<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Rwogere is a female from the Sabyinyo family, born on May 1, 2025, to Karema. Her name means \u201cfamous.\u201d She was named by Michelle Yeoh Todt, internationally acclaimed actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador.<\/p>\n<p>{{20. Garuka<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Garuka is a male from the Kwisanga family, born on October 18, 2024, to Nchili. His name means \u201creturn.\u201d He was named by Jeanine Rema (Khadja Nin), an internationally acclaimed Burundian singer, songwriter, and humanitarian.<\/p>\n<p>{{21. Rubuga<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Rubuga is a male from the Muhoza family, born on November 30, 2024, to Twitabweho. His name means \u201cplatform.\u201d He was named by Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal legend and CEO of GFBiochemicals.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93949 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ec1a9913-3-f3452-d101c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{22. Ruvugiro<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Ruvugiro is a male from the Sabyinyo family, born on May 19, 2025, to Gukina. His name means \u201cplatform.\u201d He was named by Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General\u2019s Special Envoy for Road Safety and former President of FIA.<\/p>\n<p>{{23. Mwungeri<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Mwungeri is a female from the Isimbi family, born on August 9, 2025, to Ejoheza. Her name means \u201cshepherd.\u201d She was named by Matthew Harris, Founding Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners and Senior Managing Director at BlackRock.<\/p>\n<p>{{24. Iwacu<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Iwacu, whose sex is unknown, is from the Isimbi family, born on May 15, 2024, to Isura. The name means \u201cour home.\u201d Iwacu was named by Laura Kabasomi Kakoma (\u2018Somi\u2019), Rwandan-American vocalist, composer, and playwright.<\/p>\n<p>{{25. Kundwa<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Kundwa, whose sex is unknown, is from the Igisha family, born on May 1, 2025, to Imbaga. The name means \u201cloved.\u201d She was named by Yemi Alade, a Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter.<\/p>\n<p>{{26. Tengarama<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Tengarama is a male from the Amahoro family, born on August 1, 2023, to Mudahinyuka. His name means \u201cbe safe and sound.\u201d He was named by Reed Oppenheimer, Chairman and CEO of the Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation.<\/p>\n<p>{{27. Cyubahiro<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Cyubahiro is a female from the Mutobo family, born on September 12, 2024, to Igitangaza. Her name means \u201crespect\u201d or \u201chonour.\u201d She was named by Athanasie Mukabizimungu, Founder and Chairperson of Imbereheza Gahunga.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93948 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ec1a9870-2-cb449-5cd90.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{28. Rwandanziza<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Rwandanziza is a male from the Igisha family, born on September 4, 2023, to Twongere. His name means \u201cbeautiful Rwanda.\u201d He was named by Dr. Edward Hult, CEO of Education First North America.<\/p>\n<p>{{29. Muvugizi<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Muvugizi is a female from the Isimbi family, born on March 22, 2024, to Rwandarushya. Her name means \u201cadvocate.\u201d She was named by Suzanne Sinegal, Co-founder and President of Rwanda Girls Initiative &#038; Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology.<\/p>\n<p>{{30. Mpinganzima<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Mpinganzima is a female from the Muhoza family, born on November 30, 2023, to Ikirezi. Her name means \u201cfuturistic.\u201d She was named by Gagan Gupta, an entrepreneur, conservationist, and builder of Africa\u2019s green future.<\/p>\n<p>{{31. Rugano<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Rugano is a male from the Isimbi family, born on March 12, 2024, to Dukundane. His name means \u201cbamboo.\u201d He was named by Camille Rebelo, Founder and CEO of EcoPlanet Bamboo.<\/p>\n<p>{{32. Iraba<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Iraba is a female from the Amahoro family, born on September 26, 2024, to Ihame. Her name means \u201cornament pattern.\u201d She was named by Luis Garcia, Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid legend and ESPN football analyst.<\/p>\n<p>{{33. Amahumbezi<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Amahumbezi, whose sex is unknown, is from the Agashya family, born on January 13, 2025, to Munezero. The name means \u201cgentle breeze.\u201d He was named by Bacary Sagna, an Arsenal legend.<\/p>\n<p>{{34. Izere<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Izere is a male from the Titus family, born on November 16, 2024, to Agaseke. His name means \u201chope.\u201d He was named by Xi Zhinong, renowned Chinese wildlife photographer and Founder of \u201cWild China\u201d film.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93953 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/ec1a0214-2-35547-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{35. Shyamba<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Shyamba, whose sex is unknown, is from the Musilikale family, born on January 16, 2025, to Ubufatanye. The name means \u201cforest.\u201d Shyamba was named by Lee Ehmke, conservation leader and former President &#038; CEO of Houston Zoo.<\/p>\n<p>{{36. Cyerekezo<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Cyerekezo is a female from the Musilikale family, born on January 8, 2025, to Izihirwa. Her name means \u201cvision.\u201d She was named by Susan Chin, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement, Wildlife Conservation Society.<\/p>\n<p>{{37. Nkomoko<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Nkomoko is a female from the Ntambara family, born on February 3, 2024, to Tegereza. Her name means \u201corigin.\u201d She was named by Ruth Fisher, Corporate Attorney and President of Pereg Holdings.<\/p>\n<p>{{38. Higa<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Higa, whose sex is unknown, is from the Ntambara family, born on February 23, 2025, to Nsanganira. The name means \u201ccommit.\u201d Higa was named by Vivien Ressler, creative and philanthropist.<\/p>\n<p>{{39. Terimbere<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Terimbere is a male from the Igisha family, born on December 3, 2023, to Ikigera. His name means \u201cprogress.\u201d He was named by Jean de Dieu Niyonzima, student at the Educational Institute for Blind Children, Nyaruguru District.<\/p>\n<p>{{40. Ogera<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Ogera was named virtually by Khaby Lame, TikTok sensation and one of the world\u2019s most-followed social media personalities, emphasising Rwanda\u2019s commitment to linking conservation with global culture.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thousands of Rwandans, conservation partners, special guests, and friends of Rwanda gathered on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, for the 20th edition of the Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming ceremony.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000093939,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[75],"byline":[201],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-55509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-homenews","byline-rania-umutoni"],"bylines":[{"id":201,"name":"Rania Umutoni","slug":"rania-umutoni","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":139}],"contributors":[{"id":201,"name":"Rania Umutoni","slug":"rania-umutoni","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":139}],"featured_image":{"id":2000093939,"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ec1a0199-2-8d222logo.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":0,"height":0,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ec1a0199-2-8d222logo.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ec1a0199-2-8d222logo.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ec1a0199-2-8d222logo.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ec1a0199-2-8d222logo.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/ec1a0199-2-8d222logo.jpg","width":0,"height":0}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/131"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55509"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55509\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000093939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55509"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=55509"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=55509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}