MOUNTAIN
GORILLAS
KWITA IZINA 2019
August 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
Mother’s name: Icyamamare
Group Kwitonda
Mother’s name: Mbilimbili
Group Muhoza
Mother’s name: Twitaweho
Group Musirikare
Mother’s name: Izihirwe
Group Hirwa
Mother’s name: Kabatwa
Group Agashya
Mother’s name: Ahazaza
Group Amahoro
Mother’s name: Mbere
Group Amahoro
Mother’s name: Mudahinyuka
Group Umubano
Mother’s name: Umwumba
Group Ntambara
Mother’s name: Nsanganira
Group Ntambara
Mother’s name: Kurinda
Group Sabyinyo
Mother’s name: Umurinzi
Group Sabyinyo
Mother’s name: Umutungo
Group Isimbi
Mother’s name: Ruhuka
Group Isimbi
Mother’s name: Isura
Group Kureka
Mother’s name: Akamaro
Group Susa
Mother’s name: Ruvumu
Group Igisha
Mother’s name: Imphuwe
Group Igisha
Mother’s name: Bikereri
Group Pablo
Mother’s name: Teta
Group Pablo
Mother’s name: Shishikara
Group Pablo
Mother’s name: Gutangara