Rwanda will celebrate this year’s World Gorilla Day by naming 24 baby mountain gorillas born during the last 12 months in the 17th edition of the Kwita Izina ceremony taking place virtually on 24 September 2021.
Kwita Izina, a uniquely Rwandan ceremony introduced in 2005 with the aim of creating awareness of conservation efforts for the endangered mountain gorillas. Kwita Izina – a centuries old Rwandan tradition for giving a name to a new born baby gorilla. Rwanda celebrates new births of the rare mountain gorillas through naming.
This year, Rwanda is inviting the world to be part of the ultimate celebration of life as 24 newborn baby gorillas are named during the Kwita Izina ceremony.
Since the inception of the flagship event in 2005, 328 baby mountain gorillas have been received their names at an annual naming event in Rwanda — called Kwita Izina
According to Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the state-run department that integrates all Rwanda government agencies responsible for the attraction, retention and facilitation of investments in the national economy of Rwanda, this year’s baby mountain gorillas will be held virtually.
Speaking during the press conference held in Rwanda Capital Kigali, Ariella Kageruka the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Acting Chief Tourism Officer said “Just like last year, this year’s Kwita Izina will be held virtually to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Pre Covid-19 Kwita Izina ceremonies were featured in the local and national newspapers, and included interviews with panelists broadcast on local media.
“While, Rwanda is still undergoing challenging times, we applaud our health workers for doing a commendable job in the fight against COVID-19.”
“Our tourism industry has safely reopened for over a year now and without their support and the collaboration of Rwanda’s private sector in tourism, this would not have been possible.” Ariella Kageruka, said.
Baby mountain gorillas in Rwanda are given names by Rwanda national park staff – the frontliners saving wildlife and wild places of the country everyday – and special guests.
The past face2face naming ceremonies brought together conservation leaders from around the world to participate in this special event. With names like Uwacu (One of Us), Duhuze (Unifier) and Umuhuza (a peacemaker), these names also convey important messages to Rwanda and to the world.
“We also applaud our conservation partners and front liners (park guides, rangers, trackers, wardens, vets) who have ensured that our wildlife and their habitat remain safe during this pandemic.” –
“The pandemic has emphasized the importance of building partnerships to support conservation even as tourist numbers dwindle. We appreciate our conservation partners who have joined us in this journey.” –
“This year’s Kwita Izina celebration will showcase Rwanda’s conservation efforts, including the health of the mountain gorillas and the need to expand their habitat.”-
“Kwita Izina is also an opportunity to highlight how the livelihoods of people living adjacent to the country’s national parks are being improved while enabling wildlife conservation through the Tourism Revenue Share Program.” –
WORLD GORILLA DAY 2021
Gorillas are some of human’s closest relatives in the wild, but today they’re in trouble. This World Gorilla Day, Monday 24 of September, the challenges for both species are great. Conservation organisations, private and public sector, visitors can help conservation efforts for mountain gorillas through donations, book a gorilla trekking safari.
Gorilla Trekking! To be up close and personal with such an amazing creature is a memory making experience that will last forever. Most people think of Uganda for safari and gorilla trekking.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is part of the great Virunga mastiff nestled in the southwest of Uganda.
The Virunga borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda and hosts half of the world’s population of 1,063 endangered mountain gorillas as of the latest count in December.
With active conservation efforts and introduction of wildlife into Rwanda, the Land of A Thousand Hills has the ability to deliver both experiences – African safari and gorilla trekking;
“Tourism plays a very important role in the day-to-day lives of the people who live around @VolcanoesPark such that they’re always ready to protect the wildlife in the national park.” – Dancilla Nyirarugero, Governor of the Northern Province.
Tourists can track the big 5 animals in Akagera National Park – these include the Rhinos, Leopards, Lions, Elephants and the buffalo that can be seen during safari game drive and also track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Book Rwanda safaris & Rwanda gorilla trekking holidays with Responsible Tourism Company. Email: info@responsibletourismcompany.com
Continue to follow Rwanda Development Board on Twitter @RDBrwanda and @KwitaIzina and hashtag #KwitaIzina for updates on the 17th edition of the Kwita Izina 2021 ceremony taking place virtually. Tag a friend you want to enjoy Rwanda safari & Rwanda gorilla trekking with!
