How mountain gorillas are named during “Kwita Izina” – the annual gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda
Since 2005, Rwanda has been organizing a gorilla-naming ceremony locally known as “Kwita Izina” in which the newborn mountain gorillas are given names. The event is always scheduled and celebrated in September every year and attended by hundreds of both local and international guests including high profile individuals.
Here is some key information you need to know about Rwanda’s amazing and colorful gorilla-naming ceremony – Kwita Izina
Which gorillas are named during Kwita Izina ceremony and on which basis?
During Kwita Izina ceremony, all mountain gorilla infants born in the past year are given names and the event replicates the traditional ceremony in Rwanda of naming human babies.
What is the origin of gorilla-naming?
The practice of naming gorillas started way back in 1960s by American primatologist Dian Fossey and her researchers who used to name gorillas so that they could accurately monitor and study them. After her death, the practice was adopted by rangers and researchers including trackers from the Fossey Fund who were working among gorillas every day.
When and why did Kwita Izina start?
The gorilla-naming ceremony in Rwanda started in 2005 and has been celebrated each year since then. In addition to naming the infant mountain gorillas, the ceremony was also started to raise awareness for gorilla protection both at local and global level. Naming gorillas also helps to make monitoring their movements easy.
What else is involved in Kwita Izina
In addition to naming the baby gorillas, there are many other conservation activities that are part of the event including exhibits and presentations. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) usually organizes a special week-long tour known as the Kwita Izina tour package in which interested visitors are given a chance to visit all Rwanda’s attractions in the buildup the main event which is the climax of this package.
Musical performances from both local and International artists including cultural performances are always part and parcel of the Kwita Izina ceremony. A few speeches from key public figures like President Paul Kagame and other guests are also observed at the occasion.
Who attends the Kwita Izina ceremony
The ceremony is always open to the general public though several international guests are invited to take part plus those who want to come and enjoy the tour package organized in the buildup to this event. The organizers always invite some key international public figures like celebrities to grace the ceremony, for example this year the event was attended by American singer Neyo, among others.
How many baby gorillas were named this year?
This year a total of 25 infant gorillas were named at the ceremony thanks to the combined effort of the Rwanda Development Board and the Fossey Fund trackers who helped in identifying them. However, there were still a few infants who were left out especially those who were born after the naming ceremony had been planned and these will have to wait until 2020 to get their names.
Which kind of names are given to gorillas?
Most of the names given to gorillas have meaning in the Kinyarwanda language and they usually reflect the circumstances around the that particular infant gorilla. For example, one infant gorilla was named “Umuryango,” which means ‘family’, because she belongs to one of the largest gorilla groups that have been monitored for over 25 years.
Who chooses the names for the infant gorillas?
Infant gorillas are always named by distinguished guests who pick their favorite names for the infants with guidance from those who stay with the gorillas like rangers and researches.
Click here for further information about Kwita Izina to book for a gorilla safari in Rwanda or Uganda.
