Rwanda to name 22 baby gorillas as conservation, tourism continue to grow
Rwanda will name 22 baby mountain gorillas born over the past 12 months on Sept. 4 during the 21st edition of the annual Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony, officials announced Tuesday.
The ceremony will be held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District, northern Rwanda, according to Eugene Mutangana, executive secretary of the Rwanda Nature Foundation.
Kwita Izina has become a major conservation and tourism event, highlighting Rwanda's efforts to protect mountain gorillas while linking wildlife conservation to tourism, community development and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at a press conference in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, Mutangana said the annual ceremony reflects Rwanda's belief that conservation should benefit both nature and people.
"For over two decades, Kwita Izina has showcased Rwanda's belief that conservation is not simply about protecting wildlife. It is about creating opportunities for people, supporting communities, growing tourism and ensuring that future generations inherit a healthy and thriving natural environment," he said.
"At this year's Kwita Izina, 22 baby mountain gorillas will receive names, marking another important chapter in this conservation journey," Mutangana said.
Since the first official Kwita Izina in 2005, 438 mountain gorillas have been named, according to Mutangana.
Rwanda's tourism industry generated a record $685 million in revenues in 2025, up from $647 million in 2024, while visitor arrivals reached 1.49 million, representing a 9% year-on-year increase, according to the Rwanda Development Board.
