Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced on Tuesday night that the Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony, originally scheduled for October 18, 2024, has been postponed. RDB stated that the new date for the ceremony will be communicated in the near future.
In September 2024, RDB had announced that 22 baby gorillas were to be named during the event. The ceremony, which typically features appearances by various celebrities, was expected to include notable figures participating in the naming of the baby gorillas.
Since the Kwita Izina ceremony began in 2005, a total of 395 baby gorillas have been named. According to RDB’s Chief Tourism Officer, Michaella Rugwizangoga, the event has played a crucial role in Rwanda’s impressive growth in the tourism sector.
The Kwita Izina ceremony is inspired by the traditional Rwandan naming practice and aims to raise awareness of the importance of gorilla conservation.
The event typically attracts both local and international attention, contributing to Rwanda’s reputation as a top destination for eco-tourism. Over the years, it has helped to spotlight conservation efforts in the Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas.
