This year, to celebrate World Gorilla Day, Rwanda successfully hosted a traditional baby naming ceremony for 24 of the country’s new mountain gorillas.

Staff at the gorilla’s protected habitat in Volcanoes National Park were joined by professional footballers, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hector Bellerin and Bernd Leno at the ceremony on September 24.

Bellerin named a female gorilla born on October 11 2019 and said: “It’s a privilege for me to name little baby Iriza, which means ‘first born’. When you are the first born in your family, you feel a sense of responsibility and it's indeed our responsibility to look after our wildlife.”

“This year, we bring a special focus to the rangers, trackers, guides, vets and porters, who protect our precious mountain gorillas. Their dedication is reflected in the 24 baby gorillas, receiving their names today. Conservation, tourism and community development go hand in hand,” said Rwandan President, Paul Kagame. 

Read more about the babies and the meanings of their names (and see some adorable pictures!) below.

2020 Kwita Izina gorilla babies and their name givers:

Amabwiriza - ‘Guidelines’ 

This male gorilla was born on April 3 2020 to Iriba from the Muhoza family of mountain gorillas and was named by Fidele Nizeyimana, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. View a photo of Amabwiriza here.

 Kazeneza - ‘Welcome’

This male gorilla was born on September 12 2019 to Akaramata from the Mutobo family of mountain gorillas and was named by Angelique Nikuze, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. The baby’s mother, Akaramata, moved to this family just a few months before giving birth. Formed a year ago, this gorilla family is also new. This is the first baby born, not only to Akaramata, but also into this new family, which is one good reason why the baby is warmly welcomed. View a photo of Kazaneza here.

Nkomezamihigo - ‘Keep it up’ 

This baby gorilla was born on June 21 2020 to Ishyaka from the Mutobo family of mountain gorillas and was named by Prosper Kaberabose, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. The name has been chosen to embody the resolve and motivation of the heroes of gorilla protection, specifically rangers and trackers, who never grow weary of their work protecting and monitoring gorillas - a prerequisite for the constant increase in the gorilla population. View a photo of Nkomezamihigo here.

 Uwacu - ‘One of Us’

This baby gorilla was born on May 27 2020 to Isangano from the Pablo family of mountain gorillas and was named by Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. When Isangano gave birth, she was surrounded and assisted by many other gorillas in the group, as if recognising and welcoming the newborn into the family as their own. View a photo of Uwacu here.

Murengezi - ‘Rescuer’

This male gorilla was born on May 11 2020 to Mudakama from the Urugwiro family of mountain gorillas and was named by Francois Xavier Ndugutse, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. The major role of male gorillas is to protect their families, sometimes in difficult situations that can be regarded as “life-saving” moments. Currently, this group has only one male and this male infant is expected to greatly aid in protecting the family after reaching maturity. View a photo of Murengezi here.

 Duhuze - ‘Unifier’

The female gorilla was born on August 8 2019 to Isaro from the Musilikale family of mountain gorillas and was named by Eric Kabeja, Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla tourism is one sector that connects Rwanda to the world. This name has been chosen as a gesture of our gratitude to everyone who has been connected to Rwanda through tourism in general and, in particular, gorillas. View a photo of Duhuze here.

 Kororoka - ‘Prolific’

This baby was born on May 11 2020 to Ubufatanye from the Musilikale family of mountain gorillas and was named by Honorine Uwiragiye, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. The mother, Ubufatanye, is one of the most exceptional gorilla mothers. She is a relatively young mother, yet she gave birth to three infants in just six years and manages to raise them all. This name recognises her contribution to mountain gorilla population growth. View a photo of Kororoka here.

Indiri - ‘Habitat’

This baby gorilla was born on September 21 2019 to Mahirwe from the Kuryama family of mountain gorillas and was named by Emmanuel Munyembabazi, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park. The survival and increase in the number of mountain gorillas depend on how well their home, the Virunga massif, is maintained. We aim to make everyone aware of their responsibility to see the park as their home, thus showing respect for it, just as they do for their own home. View a photo of Indiri here.

Ubushobozi - ‘Capacity’

This baby gorilla was born on October 21 2019 to Kanama from the Kuryama family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and was named by Solange Mugeni, Porter, Volcanoes National Park. This name recalls the impact of community empowerment enabled through the tourism revenue sharing scheme that increases literacy and provides benefits to communities living around the park. School infrastructure around the park is just one example of the implementation of the revenue sharing scheme. View a photo of Ubushobozi here.

Amarembo - ‘Gateway’

This baby gorilla was born on August 21 2019 to Faida from the Kuryama family of mountain gorillas and was named by Jean Damascene Hategekimana Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda opens its doors to everyone. Our aspiration is that gorilla tourism should be considered as the main gate that is always open to welcome everyone to Rwanda. View a photo of Amarembo here.

 Ihogoza - ‘Cute’

The male gorilla was born on May 2 2019 to Bikereri from the Igisha family of mountain gorillas and was named by Odile Nyiraguhirwa, Guide, Volcanoes National Park. The natural beauty of Rwanda used to be seen mainly from its magnificent hills. Now, biodiversity in our national parks, particularly mountain gorillas have amplified that beauty, becoming an important attraction for visitors for our country. View a photo of Ihogoza here.

Umusanzu - ‘Contribution’

This female gorilla was born on August 4 2019 to Urucyerereza from the Igisha family of mountain gorillas and was named by Marie-Louise Mbabazi, Community Based Conservation & Education Specialist, Rwanda Development Board. Revenue from gorilla tourism makes a significant contribution to the development of the country. Gorillas play a particularly important economic role as a source of employment and other income opportunities for communities living around the park. View a photo of Umusanzu here.

Nkerabigwi - ‘Achiever’ 

The male gorilla was born on December 17 2019 to Icyeza from the Igisha family of mountain gorillas and was named by Loyce Gashumba, Guide, Volcanoes National Park. This name serves to recognise the achievements made possible through Rwandans’ cooperation in and ownership of the conservation journey. The name embodies Rwanda’s commitment to economic transformation. View a photo of Nkerabigwi here.

Impinduka - ‘Change’

This male gorilla was born on September 5 2019 to Ihame from the Amahoro family of mountain gorillas and was named by Jean Bosco Iryamukuru, Guide, Volcanoes National Park. Mother Ihame joined the Amahoro group from an unhabituated group, managing to quickly change and become accustomed to human presence. View a photo of Impinduka here.

Isezerano - ‘Commitment’ 

The male gorilla was born on January 31 2020 to Muhabura from the Amahoro family of mountain gorillas and was named by Felicien Munyemanzi, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park. As gorilla protectors, we feel very honored and proud to be entrusted with this noble mission. Being motivated and dedicated to accomplish our mission, we take up the challenge. This is the commitment we give to the world in general and, in particular, to our nation. View a photo of Isezerano here.

Nyiramajyambere - ‘Development’

This female gorilla was born on February 27 2020 to Urwunguko from the Kwitonda family of mountain gorillas and was named by Pelagie Mutuyimana, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has embarked on the implementation of its Vision 2050 and Nyiramajyambere stands out as an example of the new generation living in a modern and digitised world. This new development involves all sectors, including tourism and conservation. View a photo of Nyiramajyambere here.

Ikamba - ‘Crown’ 

This male gorilla was born on September 30 2019 to mother Aheza from the Muhoza family of mountain gorillas and was named by Jacques Bisamaza, Porter, Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has scooped many tourism awards and earned conservation recognition thanks to visionary leadership that works to integrate tourism and sustainable conservation. View a photo of Ikamba here.

Izabukuru - ‘Elderhood’

The male gorilla was born on October 30 2019 to Gukunda from the Sabyinyo family of mountain gorillas and was named by Francois Bigirimana, Guide, Volcanoes National Park. This name highlights that this baby was born when her mother Gukunda was very old. View a photo of Izabukuru here.

 Ishya - ‘Contentment/ Satisfaction’ 

This baby male gorilla was born on November 11 2019 to Gukina from the Sabyinyo family of mountain gorillas and was named by Emmanuel Irakoze, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. The Sabyinyo family was so happy and thrilled to welcome the new baby after three of its members went their separate ways into the wild. View a photo of Ishya here.

 Umuyobozi - ‘Leader’

This adventurous baby female gorilla was born on October 27 2019 to Inyenyeri from the Agashya family of mountain gorillas and was named by Faustin Nibishaka, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. This name recognises Rwanda's commitment to leadership in conservation and tourism, from national leaders to community representatives. View a photo of Umuyobozi here.

Umuganga - ‘Gorilla Doctor’ 

This baby female gorilla was born on January 27 2020 to Inyungu from the Agashya family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and was named by Dr. Antoine Mudakikwa, Retired Veterinarian, Rwanda. The name recognises veterinarians’ unwavering work treating and saving gorillas. In particular, the name has been chosen for the baby in honor of retiring gorilla veterinarians for their long service, dedication and outstanding contribution to the protection of the mountain gorilla population. View a photo of Umuganga here.

 Igitego - ‘Goal’

This baby male gorilla was born on July 5 2019 to Pasika from the Mafunzo family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and was named by Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. We consider gorilla conservation and tourism to be a win for our nation as a result of their contribution to Rwanda’s development. Better yet, gorillas are a godsend for local communities living around the park as they benefit them in a range of ways. View a photo of Igitego here.

Iriza - ‘First Born’

This baby female gorilla was born on October 11 2019 to Igihembo from the Kwitonda family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and was named by Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin. This infant is the first-born of Igihembo. First-borns always bring excitement to the family and we all wish them to grow and prosper. View a photo of Iriza here.

Myugariro - ‘Defender’ 

This baby female gorilla was born on September 28 2019 to Kubaha from the Amahoro family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and was named by Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno. This name highlights how the group engages in many interactions with non-habituated gorilla groups and how the group silverbacks defend family members, and the role we all have to defend Mother Nature. View a photo of Myugariro here.