Kwita Izina: The stories behind 40 baby gorillas’ names and their star namers
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.
The event brought together leaders from the entertainment, sports, business, science, and conservation sectors, reflecting the growing global recognition of Rwanda’s conservation efforts. Distinguished guests included Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame; Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva; Rwanda Development Board CEO Jean Guy Afrika; and the Governor of the Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde.
This year, 40 baby gorillas were named, with several names chosen by prominent figures from around the world. International celebrities and global leaders—ranging from actors and musicians to sports icons and conservation advocates—participated in the naming, using their influence to shine a spotlight on Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and the country’s commitment to wildlife protection.
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’s mountain gorilla population.
Kwita Izina, which means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, is more than a symbolic gesture. It celebrates Rwanda’s conservation achievements, the essential role of local communities in protecting biodiversity, and the survival story of endangered mountain gorillas.
Below is the full list of the 40 named gorillas and the meaning behind their names:
1. Mushumbamwiza
Mushumbamwiza is a male baby gorilla from the Hirwa family, born on October 19, 2024, to Igihembo. His name means “good shepherd” and was given by Alliance Umwizerwa, Gorilla Research Assistant at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
2. Unguka
Unguka is a male from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on July 26, 2024, to Ruhuka. His name means “gain.” He was named by Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, a field veterinarian with Gorilla Doctors.
3. Rufatiro
Rufatiro is a male from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on November 2, 2024, to Umwe. His name means “foundation.” He was named by Dieudonné Gato, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.
4. Amahitamo
Amahitamo is a male from the Mutobo family, born on April 27, 2024, to Ishyaka. His name means “choice.” He was named by Théogène Bimenyimana, Head Tracker, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
5. Tsinda
Tsinda, whose sex is unknown, is from the Hirwa family, born on June 1, 2025, to Magayane. The name means “win.” Tsinda was named by Brenda Umutoni, a ranger at Volcanoes National Park.
6. Atete
Atete is a female from the Mutobo family, born on September 28, 2023, to Akariza. Her name means “to receive affection.” She was named by Leonard Nsengiyumva, Data Technician, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
7. Umutoni
Umutoni is a female from the Kwitonda family, born on April 6, 2024, to Rwunguko. Her name means “favourite.” She was named by Jean Marie Vianney Zirimwabagabo, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.
8. Kwihangana
Kwihangana, whose sex is unknown, is from the Kwisanga family, born on March 16, 2025, to Aheza. The name means “patience.” Kwihangana was named by Naume Mukabarisa, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.
9. Ogera
Ogera’s details were not disclosed during the ceremony. The name means “popular.” This baby was named by Khaby Lame, a globally renowned content creator and social media personality.
10. Burere
Burere is a female from the Muhoza family, born on October 3, 2024, to Iriba. Her name means “upbringing.” She was named by Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein, a German artist, philanthropist, and Chairperson of the Louisenlund Foundation.
11. Ntarungu
Ntarungu is a female from the Kwitonda family, born on April 29, 2024, to Gahuza. Her name means “companionship” or “enthusiastic.” She was named by His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Prince of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and President of WWF Malaysia.
12. Mwizerwa
Mwizerwa is a female from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on April 20, 2024, to Umuco. Her name means “reliable.” 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.
13. Impuguke
Impuguke is a female from the Kwisanga family, born on July 21, 2024, to Ahazaza. Her name means “expert.” She was named by Sang-Hyup Kim, Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute.
14. Rugwiro
Rugwiro is a male from the Pablo family, born on January 22, 2024, to Ubukombe. His name means “hospitable.” He was named by David S. Marriott, Chairman of Marriott International.
15. Tekana
Tekana is a female from the Isimbi family, born on December 24, 2023, to Africa. Her name means “feel secure.” She was named by Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group and science popularisation vlogger.
16. Ntavogerwa
Ntavogerwa is a male from the Agashya family, born on December 14, 2024, to Inyungu. His name means “untouchable.” He was named by Charlie Mayhew, Co-founder and CEO of Tusk Trust.
17. Nyunganizi
Nyunganizi is a male from the Mutobo family, born on November 18, 2024, to Akamaro. His name means “supporter” or “helper.” He was named by Claver Ntoyinkima, Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer, Nyungwe National Park.
18. Umurage
Umurage, whose sex is unknown, is from the Hirwa family, born on May 22, 2024, to Umoja. The name means “heritage.” Umurage was named by Michael Bay, an award-winning American film director and producer.
19. Rwogere
Rwogere is a female from the Sabyinyo family, born on May 1, 2025, to Karema. Her name means “famous.” She was named by Michelle Yeoh Todt, internationally acclaimed actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador.
20. Garuka
Garuka is a male from the Kwisanga family, born on October 18, 2024, to Nchili. His name means “return.” He was named by Jeanine Rema (Khadja Nin), an internationally acclaimed Burundian singer, songwriter, and humanitarian.
21. Rubuga
Rubuga is a male from the Muhoza family, born on November 30, 2024, to Twitabweho. His name means “platform.” He was named by Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal legend and CEO of GFBiochemicals.
22. Ruvugiro
Ruvugiro is a male from the Sabyinyo family, born on May 19, 2025, to Gukina. His name means “platform.” He was named by Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety and former President of FIA.
23. Mwungeri
Mwungeri is a female from the Isimbi family, born on August 9, 2025, to Ejoheza. Her name means “shepherd.” She was named by Matthew Harris, Founding Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners and Senior Managing Director at BlackRock.
24. Iwacu
Iwacu, whose sex is unknown, is from the Isimbi family, born on May 15, 2024, to Isura. The name means “our home.” Iwacu was named by Laura Kabasomi Kakoma (‘Somi’), Rwandan-American vocalist, composer, and playwright.
25. Kundwa
Kundwa, whose sex is unknown, is from the Igisha family, born on May 1, 2025, to Imbaga. The name means “loved.” She was named by Yemi Alade, a Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter.
26. Tengarama
Tengarama is a male from the Amahoro family, born on August 1, 2023, to Mudahinyuka. His name means “be safe and sound.” He was named by Reed Oppenheimer, Chairman and CEO of the Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation.
27. Cyubahiro
Cyubahiro is a female from the Mutobo family, born on September 12, 2024, to Igitangaza. Her name means “respect” or “honour.” She was named by Athanasie Mukabizimungu, Founder and Chairperson of Imbereheza Gahunga.
28. Rwandanziza
Rwandanziza is a male from the Igisha family, born on September 4, 2023, to Twongere. His name means “beautiful Rwanda.” He was named by Dr. Edward Hult, CEO of Education First North America.
29. Muvugizi
Muvugizi is a female from the Isimbi family, born on March 22, 2024, to Rwandarushya. Her name means “advocate.” She was named by Suzanne Sinegal, Co-founder and President of Rwanda Girls Initiative & Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology.
30. Mpinganzima
Mpinganzima is a female from the Muhoza family, born on November 30, 2023, to Ikirezi. Her name means “futuristic.” She was named by Gagan Gupta, an entrepreneur, conservationist, and builder of Africa’s green future.
31. Rugano
Rugano is a male from the Isimbi family, born on March 12, 2024, to Dukundane. His name means “bamboo.” He was named by Camille Rebelo, Founder and CEO of EcoPlanet Bamboo.
32. Iraba
Iraba is a female from the Amahoro family, born on September 26, 2024, to Ihame. Her name means “ornament pattern.” She was named by Luis Garcia, Atlético de Madrid legend and ESPN football analyst.
33. Amahumbezi
Amahumbezi, whose sex is unknown, is from the Agashya family, born on January 13, 2025, to Munezero. The name means “gentle breeze.” He was named by Bacary Sagna, an Arsenal legend.
34. Izere
Izere is a male from the Titus family, born on November 16, 2024, to Agaseke. His name means “hope.” He was named by Xi Zhinong, renowned Chinese wildlife photographer and Founder of “Wild China” film.
35. Shyamba
Shyamba, whose sex is unknown, is from the Musilikale family, born on January 16, 2025, to Ubufatanye. The name means “forest.” Shyamba was named by Lee Ehmke, conservation leader and former President & CEO of Houston Zoo.
36. Cyerekezo
Cyerekezo is a female from the Musilikale family, born on January 8, 2025, to Izihirwa. Her name means “vision.” She was named by Susan Chin, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement, Wildlife Conservation Society.
37. Nkomoko
Nkomoko is a female from the Ntambara family, born on February 3, 2024, to Tegereza. Her name means “origin.” She was named by Ruth Fisher, Corporate Attorney and President of Pereg Holdings.
38. Higa
Higa, whose sex is unknown, is from the Ntambara family, born on February 23, 2025, to Nsanganira. The name means “commit.” Higa was named by Vivien Ressler, creative and philanthropist.
39. Terimbere
Terimbere is a male from the Igisha family, born on December 3, 2023, to Ikigera. His name means “progress.” He was named by Jean de Dieu Niyonzima, student at the Educational Institute for Blind Children, Nyaruguru District.
40. Ogera
Ogera was named virtually by Khaby Lame, TikTok sensation and one of the world’s most-followed social media personalities, emphasising Rwanda’s commitment to linking conservation with global culture.
