Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Kwita Izina, a time-honored Rwandan tradition where newborn baby Gorillas are named, took place on Friday, September 6th, 2019 at the base of the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The Rwanda Development Board hosted the ceremony and used the opportunity to host a fantastic conservation conference immediately afterwards. The Business of Conservation, organized in partnership with the African Leadership University, brought global conservation leaders together to link conservation with sustainable tourism.

The gorilla naming ceremony in Volcanoes National Park was a celebration of Rwanda’s firm commitment to conservation! Over the past 15 years, 281 baby gorillas have been named and the country has seen a 24% growth in its gorilla population. Equally as impressive, the Rwanda Development Board sets aside 10% of profits from tourism for community development. Since 2005, they have donated over USD 13 million towards community projects!

Here is a link to the official gorilla namers for 2019:

https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/kwita-izina-meet-2019-namers-25-baby-gorillas

Please click on each photo for more information about who is featured.

Fred Swaniker
Naomi Campbell
Luke Bailes, CEO of Singita
Fred Swaniker
Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda
Luke Bailes, CEO of Singita
Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo
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