MOUNTAIN
GORILLAS
KWITA IZINA 2019
September 2019
Kwita Izina is a century old Rwandan tradition of naming newly born human babies. in 2005, it was adapted to Mountain Gorillas by the Rwandan Development Board, Partners and local communities in an innovative effort to actively protect Mountain Gorillas and their habitat.
The ceremony is being attended by thousands of international, regional and local participants every year and the main event takes place at the foot of mount Sabyinyo, in Kinigi.
The celebration has played a huge role in bridging divides that often results from community conflicts with conservation imperatives and protected areas. It should be regarded as one of the most innovative conservation initiative on the continent.
In 2019, 25 baby gorillas have been named during the Kwita Ceremony and I was priviledged to trek 14 families and photograph 22 out of the 25 babies.
The ceremony took place on the 6th of september.
Group Kwitonda
Born of Icyamamare and named Intego
Group Kwitonda
Born of Mbilimbili and named Ikirenga by Marco Lambertini
Group Muhoza
Born of Twitaweho and named Intarutwa by Naomi Campbell
Group Musirikare
Born of Izihirwe and named Inkoramutima by Meddy
Group Hirwa
Born of Kabatwa and named Indongozi by Louis Van Graal
Group Agashya
Born of Ahazaza and named Inzobere by Robert Twibaze
Group Amahoro
Born of Mbere and named Inganji by Joseph Areruya
Group Amahoro
Born of Mudahinyuka and named Isanzure by Madeleine Nyiratuza
Group Umubano
Born of Umwumba and named Ingoga by Amina Mohammed
Group Ntambara
Born of Nsanganira and named Umwihariko by H.E. Karen Chalyan.
Group Ntambara
Born of Kurinda and named Bisoke by Jean-Nepo Musekura.
Group Sabyinyo
Born of Umurinzi and named Igihango by Ambassador Ron Adams
Group Sabyinyo
Born of Umutungo and named Ituze by Wilfred Kiboro
Group Isimbi
Born of Ruhuka and named Irembo by Niklas Adalberth
Group Isimbi
Born of Isura and named Ingando by Jeremy Jauncey
Group Kureba
Born of Akamaro and named Karame by Anthony Nzuki
Group Susa
Born of Ruvumu and named Kwiganza by Sherrie Silver
Group Igisha
Born of Imphuwe and named Uruti by Dame Louise Martin
Group Igisha
Born of Bikereri and named Mugwire by Emmanuel Niringiyimana
Group Pablo
Born of Teta and named Umukuru by H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe
Group Pablo
Born of Shishikara and named Kira by Otara Gunewardene
Group Pablo
Born of Gutangara and named Inararibonye by Paul Milton and Luke Bailes