Held in Kinigi under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future,” the annual ceremony brought together conservationists, business leaders, sports personalities, artists, philanthropists and public figures from Rwanda and around the world.

The tradition, inspired by the Rwandan practice of naming newborn children in the presence of family and community, has become one of the country's most prominent conservation events.

This year, the 22 names brought the total number of gorillas named through Kwita Izina since it became an annual event in 2005 to 460.

Here are the stories behind the names and the people who gave them.

Ishakwe – determination

Born on April 1, 2025, to Inkubito of the Muhoza family, the female gorilla was named Ishakwe, meaning “determination.”

The name was given by Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism and the first woman set to lead the organisation in its 50-year history.

The name reflects the resilience required to protect the mountain gorilla population and sustain conservation gains for generations to come.

Umukondo – a starting point

Born on June 20, 2025, to Muhabura of the Izuba family, the male gorilla was named Umukondo, meaning “navel” or “starting point.”

The name was given by Dominic Barton, Chairman of Rio Tinto and LeapFrog Investments and former Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company.

The name evokes a beginning, fitting for a young gorilla at the start of its life and for the continued journey of conservation.

Shikama – stand strong

The male gorilla, born on July 3, 2025, to Turimaso of the Susa family, was named Shikama, meaning “stand strong.”

Its namer, Paul Danforth, President of CAA Sports, chose a name that speaks to strength and resilience.

Inkera – traditional festivity

Born on July 31, 2025, to Isangano of the Pablo family, the male gorilla was named Inkera, meaning “traditional festivity.”

The name was given by Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO and majority shareholder of Atlético de Madrid and a member of the UEFA Executive Committee.

The name captures the celebratory spirit of Kwita Izina itself, where conservation is marked through ceremony, culture and community.

Rugamba – the fighter

Born on September 8, 2025, to Gwaneza of the Hirwa family, the male gorilla was named Rugamba, meaning “fighter.”

The name was jointly given by Ahmed Sadek Elsewedy, Chairman of Elsewedy Electric, and his wife Anita Dravec.

Elsewedy Electric has been involved in Rwanda's electrification efforts, adding another dimension to a name that speaks of strength and perseverance.

Umucyo – light

The male gorilla born on October 14, 2025, to Urahirwa of the Ntambara family, was named Umucyo, meaning “light.”

The name was given by Olivier and Quitterie Granet.

Olivier Granet is Managing Partner and Co-CEO of Kasada Capital Management, an investor in Africa's hospitality sector.

Ngabonzima – the protector

Born on December 28, 2025, to Ukwiyunga of the Segasira family, the male gorilla was named Ngabonzima, meaning “the protector.”

The name was given by philanthropists Garreth and Nicola Wood, co-founders of Kids Operating Room, a global health charity focused on expanding access to paediatric surgery.

The name carries a particularly fitting message at a ceremony built around the protection of wildlife and its habitat.

Ikambere – an important place

The female gorilla born on December 5, 2025, to Ntamupaka of the Sabyinyo family, was named Ikambere.

The name refers to “the important place where you receive your esteemed visitors.”

It was given by Susan Hollern, founder and president of Hope Haven Rwanda, who has worked in Rwanda on education and family transformation since 2011.

Ubukaka – majesty, strength and power

Born on July 28, 2025, to Ururabo of the Humura family, the female gorilla was named Ubukaka, meaning “majesty, strength and power.”

The name was given by acclaimed Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, whose film Ben’Imana was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

Ngoga – courage

The male gorilla born on March 21, 2026, to Ntibisanzwe of the Kwitonda family was named Ngoga, meaning “brave” or “with courage.”

The name was given by Francesco Calvo, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa, who has previously held senior leadership positions at Juventus, FC Barcelona and AS Roma.

Intwarane – fighting for a common goal

Born on January 27, 2026, to Intango of the Muhoza family, the male gorilla was named Intwarane.

The name refers to people fighting for a common goal, a fitting idea for a conservation programme built on collaboration between governments, communities, researchers, rangers, businesses and conservation organisations.

The namer was Mamadou Sakho, former France international and former captain of Paris Saint-Germain, who also played for Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

Tarama – socialise

The male gorilla born on July 21, 2025, to Impuhwe of the Humura family was named Tarama, meaning “socialize.”

The name was given by Mutaz Essa Barshim, the Qatari Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion in high jump.

The name reflects the social nature of mountain gorillas, which live in close-knit family groups.

Igeno – destiny

Born on March 15, 2026, to Tabaro of the Musilikale family, the female gorilla was named Igeno, meaning “destiny.”

The name was given by Kelly O'Meara, Executive Director of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, which works to advance primate protection and welfare across Africa.

Uruhembe – on the frontline

The male gorilla born on August 9, 2025, to Mbele of the Izuba family was named Uruhembe, meaning“on the frontline.”

The name was given by Neil and Susan McDougall.

Neil McDougall is founder and chairman of DelAgua, which works on clean cooking and livelihoods across Africa.

The name also echoes the frontline role played by rangers and conservation teams who work daily to protect Rwanda's wildlife.

Indahiro – commitment

Born on December 28, 2025, to Bukima of the Musilikale family, the male gorilla was named Indahiro, meaning “commitment.”

The name was given by Jeanette Uwimbabazi, a Nyungwe National Park ranger recognised for her courage in combating wildlife crime and protecting Rwanda's biodiversity.

Her own conservation work gives particular weight to a name centred on commitment.

Muganura – national harvest

The male gorilla born on March 20, 2026, to Mafubo of the Izuba family was named Muganura, referring to National Harvest Day, a Rwandan thanksgiving celebration.

The name was given by former France and Manchester United captain Patrice Evra, a five-time Premier League champion and UEFA Champions League winner.

Ndongozi – outstanding leader

James Chester, Aston Villa legend and former Wales international, gave a baby gorilla the name Ndongozi, meaning “outstanding leader.”

Chester, who captained Aston Villa and helped the club return to the Premier League, brought a sporting connection to a name centred on leadership.

Muhuza – the one who brings people together

David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and a member of the International Olympic Committee, named a baby gorilla Muhuza.

The name means “the one who brings people together and connects.”

Lappartient played a key role in bringing the 2025 UCI Road World Championships to Rwanda, the first edition of the competition to be held in Africa.

Komezutsinde – keep winning

Dominique Plewes, CEO and philanthropy leader and founder of SOF Support Foundation, gave a baby gorilla the name Komezutsinde, meaning “keep winning.”

She was joined by Steven Kouraas, co-namer.

The name carries a message of perseverance, victory and continued progress, echoing Rwanda's conservation journey.

Mpinga – on top

Renowned British nature filmmaker and producer Alastair Fothergill, known for major wildlife productions including Planet Earth and Blue Planet, gave a baby mountain gorilla the name Mpinga, meaning “on top.”

Fothergill's long career documenting wildlife brought a conservation storyteller's perspective to the ceremony.

Impeta – an award and symbol of recognition

Rwandan gospel singer Israel Mbonyi named a baby gorilla from the Izuba family Impeta.

The name translates to “an award” or “a symbol of recognition.”

The choice connects the ceremony to the achievements of the people and institutions whose work has contributed to the recovery of mountain gorillas.

Nkwakuzi – bravery

Kenza Johanna Ameloot, Miss Belgium 2024, named a male baby gorilla Nkwakuzi, a name meaning “a brave person.”

Ameloot, who has Rwandan heritage, said she chose the name to honour the strength, courage and resilience of the Rwandan people.

She also uses her platform to advocate for children affected by cataracts while championing her Rwandan heritage.

More than names

Beyond the colour, music and star power surrounding Kwita Izina, the ceremony carries a deeper conservation message.

Rwanda's mountain gorilla population has grown to more than 1,060 in the wild across the Virunga Massif and Bwindi ecosystem, making the species the only great ape whose population is increasing.

Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva said that when Rwanda names a gorilla, it is making a promise to protect it.

“Because a name for us is more than a celebration. It is a promise,” he said.

That promise, he added, means ensuring that the gorillas have the protection, habitat and conditions they need to grow, thrive and reproduce.

The recovery has come a long way from the early 1980s, when only about 250 mountain gorillas were estimated to remain in the Virunga Massif.

Today, Rwanda is also pursuing a major expansion of Volcanoes National Park, alongside investments aimed at improving the lives of communities living around the protected area.

The newly launched Smart Green Village, an investment of more than $49 million, is expected to provide modern housing, services and sustainable livelihood opportunities for 547 households affected by the park's expansion.