The 20th edition of “Kwita Izina” baby gorilla naming ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 18, 2024 at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze district.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) confirmed this development on Monday, August 19, 2024 through their X handle.
“RDB is pleased to announce that the 20th edition of Kwita Izina will take place on October 18, 2024,” reads the statement.
Responsible for the tourism sector in Rwanda, RDB says that about 20 baby gorillas will be named. World celebrities and different illustrious personalities from around the world are expected to attend.
Many familiar names have been invited including celebrities and other prominent people in the field of conservation, whose identities will be revealed in the coming days.
Last year, the 19th edition of Kwita Izina was attended by various guests including some who work in the protection of animals and ecosystems, football stars, film actors, international celebrities and other renowned people.
Among them was Idrissa Akuna Elba OBE, an English film actor, accompanied by his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba, a fashion expert. Others included Kevin Hart, Danai Gurira and many others.
In all, 23 baby gorillas were each given a name, in a ceremony graced by the First Lady Jeannette Kagame. Hundreds of thousands of residents of Musanze and Burera districts attended.
Kwita Izina is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of mountain gorilla conservation. Mountain Gorillas are no longer endangered species of animals due to the measures taken for their protection.
