This World Gorilla Day, 24 September 2020, Rwanda is celebrating their newborn baby gorillas by honouring them at a Gorilla Naming Ceremony called Kwita Izina and the event is going virtual so everyone around the globe can join in to watch.
The challenges of the current global situation with the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the ceremony to go virtual, with viewers able to tune in to the Visit Rwanda YouTube Channel on 24 September 2020 at 3PM Central African Time to witness the celebration and naming of 24 baby gorillas that call Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park home.
Kwita Izina is modelled off a centuries old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature.
The ceremony is also an opportunity to thank the communities that live around Volcanoes National Park, the research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationists, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas.
Over the last 15 years, more than 300 mountain gorillas have been named. As a result of conservation efforts in Rwanda such as Kwita Izina, the population of the endangered mountain gorilla has increased, with the latest census counting over 1,000 gorillas. This is an increase from the previously counted 800.
You can view the gorgeous baby gorillas that will be named HERE.
Over the last 15 years, more than 300 mountain gorillas have been named. This year, 24 baby gorillas will be named by the vets, rangers, trackers, porters and guides who protect the gorillas, as well as special guests. There will also be some surprise special guest appearances on the day.
You can view the dedicated men and women who help protect these gorillas HERE.
To read more about Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, visit TREKKING RWANDA’S RARE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
Where Wild Things Roam Travel are taking registrations now for a special Kwita Izina Tour in 2021. Please email hello@wherewildthingsroamtravel.com to register your interest and we will be in touch when the details are finalised.
