From Mathieu Flamini to Yemi Alade: Who Named the Baby Gorillas?

Rwanda’s world-renowned gorilla naming ceremony, Kwita Izina, reached another milestone this Friday as 40 baby gorillas from 15 different families were officially named by distinguished guests from around the world.

The ceremony, held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, brought together conservationists, global leaders, celebrities, and local community members to celebrate Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to wildlife protection and eco-tourism

In this article, we revisit the 40 people who played a role in naming each of the 40 baby gorillas.

1. Javier Pastore
Javier Pastore is an Argentine footballer best known as an attacking midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain in France, particularly from 2011 when the club had just signed a major investment deal with Qatari owners.
He was admired for his dribbling skills, although injuries hindered his career until he retired from football in 2023 after spells with AS Roma in Italy and Elche in Spain.
Name given: Ganza

2. Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer, widely recognized in Afropop and R&B. She gained global fame in 2014 with her hit Johnny, which garnered over 175 million YouTube views. She has collaborated with global icons such as Beyoncé, Angélique Kidjo, and Rick Ross, and has earned Grammy nominations. Fans call her the “Queen of Afrobeats” and sometimes the “Iron Lady” for her stage power.
Name given: Kundwa

3. Athanasie Mukabizimungu
Born in 1968, Athanasie founded and leads Imbereheza Cooperative, which supports women and youth in Gahunga, Musanze District. The cooperative promotes modern farming, savings, women empowerment, and rainwater harvesting to reduce dependency on park resources.
Name given: Cyubahiro

4. Reed Oppenheimer
CEO of the Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation, known for supporting inclusive development, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and social equity projects, especially in Africa.

5. Dr. Sang-Hyup Kim
President of the Global Green Growth Institute, former secretary to the South Korean President for Green Growth, and an advisor to the UN. He pioneered South Korea’s climate strategies and promotes sustainable energy and economic growth.
Name given: Impuguke

6. Alliance Umwizerwa
A researcher at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Volcanoes National Park. Her work focuses on gorilla monitoring, protection, and scientific studies.
Name given: Mushumba Mwiza

7. Camille Rebelo
Kenyan entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of EcoPlanet Bamboo, managing over 35,000 hectares of bamboo across continents, restoring degraded land and biodiversity.
Name given: Rugano

8. Susan Chin
Vice President of Planning and Development at Wildlife Conservation Society since 1982. She has led major projects including Congo Gorilla Forest and Tiger Mountain and has promoted conservation globally in Rwanda, Madagascar, Costa Rica, and Belize.

9. David S. Marriott
American businessman and Chairman of Marriott International since 2022, with long experience in hospitality. Marriott Hotels opened in Rwanda in 2016.
Name given: Rugwiro

10. Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga
Rwandan veterinarian and Chief Vet at Gorilla Doctors, who has been rescuing gorillas since 2014. He treats injured animals, especially those trapped by snares. In 2023, he received an international award and pursued advanced studies at UC Davis.

11. Michelle Yeoh Todt
Oscar-winning Malaysian actress (Everything Everywhere All at Once), also known for roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Crazy Rich Asians. She works with the UN on women’s rights and sustainability.
Name given: Rwogere

12. Jean Todt
French motorsport leader, former Ferrari F1 team boss, and ex-president of FIA. Works with the UN on road safety and sustainable mobility.
Name given: Ruvugiro

13. Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein
German artist and philanthropist, head of Louisenlund Foundation, supporting youth and culture.
Name given: Burere

14. Mathieu Flamini
Former Arsenal midfielder, now a billionaire entrepreneur in green chemistry, co-founder of GFBiochemicals. Advocates for renewable energy and sustainable practices in sports.
Name given: Rubuga

15. Leonard Nsengiyumva
Data specialist at Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, monitoring gorilla families and habitats.
Name given: Atete

16. Claver Ntoyinkima
Tour guide and trainer in Nyungwe National Park, with expertise in wildlife and conservation education.

17. Dr. Yin Ye
CEO of BGI Group, a Chinese genomics company contributing to medicine, agriculture, and environmental studies. Known for science communication and public outreach.
Name given: Tekana

18. Charlie Mayhew
Co-founder and CEO of Tusk Trust, a UK charity supporting conservation and community projects in over 20 African countries.

19. Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz
Malaysian prince, President of WWF-Malaysia, advocating for biodiversity and youth empowerment.
Name given: Ntarungu

20. Brenda Umutoni
Female ranger in Volcanoes National Park, protecting gorillas and promoting eco-tourism.
Name given: Tsinda

21. Michael Bay
American filmmaker behind Bad Boys, Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, and Transformers, also co-founder of Platinum Dunes film company.
Name given: Umurage

22. Professor Senait Fisseha
Vice President at Susan T. Buffett Foundation, renowned Ethiopian gynecologist and advisor to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom. Also board member of UGHE in Rwanda.
Name given: Mwizerwa

23. Khadja Nin
Burundian singer-songwriter, famous for Sambolera and Wale Watu. Advocates for peace and culture.
Name given: Garuka

24. Vivien Ressler
Cuban-born artist raised in Venezuela, known for vibrant paintings and philanthropy.
Name given: Higa

25. Théogène Bimenyimana
Director of Gorilla Monitoring at Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, leading field teams in daily gorilla protection.
Name given: Amahitamo

26. Somi Kakoma
Rwandan-American singer and actress, first African woman nominated for a Grammy Jazz category in 2021 with Holy Room.
Name given: Iwacu

27. Dr. Edward Hult
CEO of Education First North America, with academic credentials from Cambridge and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
Name given: Rwandanziza

28. Bacary Sagna
French former Arsenal defender (2007–2014).
Name given: Amahumbezi

29. Khaby Lame
Senegalese-Italian TikTok star, most followed worldwide with 161M+ followers, known for silent comedy skits.
Name given: Ogera

30. Gagan Gupta
Indian investor, founder of ARISE Group, a major African infrastructure developer with eco-friendly projects in Rwanda and beyond.
Name given: Mpinganzima

31. Dieudonné Gato
Park ranger in Volcanoes National Park, dedicated to gorilla protection and anti-poaching efforts.
Name given: Rufatiro

32. Ruth Fisher
Lawyer and CEO of Pereg Holdings, with over 25 years of investment in tech, health, and media sectors.

33. Matthew Harris
Co-founder of Global Infrastructure Partners, specializing in energy and power investments.
Name given: Mwungeri

34. Jean de Dieu Niyonzima
Visually impaired student at Educational Institute for Blind Children in Nyaruguru, ranked 5th nationwide in 2024 exams.
Name given: Terimbere

35. Jean Marie Vianney Zirimwabagabo
Park ranger in Volcanoes National Park, ensuring gorilla protection.
Name given: Umutoni

36. Naume Mukabarisa
Park staff member monitoring gorilla well-being daily.
Name given: Kwihangana

37. Lee Ehmke
Former President & CEO of Houston Zoo, developed conservation and educational programs in the U.S.

38. Xi Zhinong
Chinese wildlife photographer and filmmaker, founder of Wild China Film, award-winning conservation storyteller.
Name given: Izere

39. Luis García
Spanish former footballer for Atlético Madrid, Liverpool, and FC Barcelona. Worked on Rwanda’s “Visit Rwanda” campaign.

40. Suzanne Sinegal

Suzanne Sinegal McGill is one of the co-founders and the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Girls Initiative as well as the Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology