Rwanda’s 22 New Gorillas Carry Names Reflecting Courage, Unity and Conservation
Patrice Evra, Former France and Manchester United captain, named a baby mountain gorilla Muganura, referring to “Umuganura”, the Rwanda’s traditional harvest and thanksgiving celebration.
The 22 baby mountain gorillas named at this year’s Kwita Izina ceremony carry more than distinctive identities.
Their names reflect a collection of values that have shaped Rwanda’s conservation journey, from determination and courage to unity, leadership, resilience and commitment to protecting wildlife and its habitat.
The names were unveiled Friday during the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Kinigi, Musanze District, under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.”
Each baby gorilla was named by a prominent figure from Rwanda and abroad, including government and conservation leaders, business executives, athletes, entertainers, filmmakers and philanthropists.
Among the names, Ishakwe, meaning “determination,” was given to a female gorilla from the Muhoza family by Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism. Born on April 1, 2025, to mother Inkubito, the name honours Rwanda’s determination to protect biodiversity and its natural environment.
Another baby, Mukondo, meaning “starting point” or “source,” was named by Dominic Barton, chairman of Rio Tinto. The male gorilla, born on June 20, 2025, to mother Muhabura of the Izuba family, represents the idea that protecting mountain gorillas can also help safeguard the wider ecosystem in which they live.
Names shaped by resilience and courage
Several of this year’s names draw directly on ideas of strength and resilience.
Shikama, meaning “stand strong,” was given to a male gorilla from the historic Susa family by Paul Danforth, President of CAA Sports and a global sports executive. Born on July 3, 2025, to mother Turimaso, the name celebrates the resilience of a family that has endured challenges and continues to thrive.
From the Hirwa family came Rugamba, meaning “fighter.” Engineer Sadek Elsewedy, Chairman of Elsewedy Electric, and his wife Anita Dravec gave the name to a male gorilla born on September 8, 2025, to mother Gwaneza.
The name reflects a story of resilience that began with his mother’s successful integration from an unhabituated group into the Hirwa family and continued with the birth of her son.
Courage also features prominently in the names.
Nkwakuzi, meaning “brave persons,” was given to a male gorilla born on April 15, 2026, to Isimbi of the Umubano family. Miss Belgium 2024 Kenza Johanna Ameloot chose the name as a wish that the gorilla will grow strong and brave alongside his family.
Ngoga, meaning “brave” or “courageous,” was given to another male gorilla from the Kwitonda family by Francesco Calvo, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa. Born on March 21, 2026, to mother Ntibisanzwe, the baby’s arrival adds to the continued growth of the family.
Names celebrating unity and connection
The 2026 names also emphasize the collective nature of conservation.
Ntwarane, meaning “united in pursuit of a common goal,” was chosen by former French international and Paris Saint-Germain captain Mamadou Sakho for a male gorilla born on January 27, 2026, to mother Intango.
The name represents the combined efforts of communities, rangers, conservationists, government institutions and partners in protecting mountain gorillas.
A similar message is carried by Muhuza, meaning “one who connects” or “brings together.” David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale, gave the name to a male gorilla from the Kwisanga family, born on October 8, 2025, to mother Turiho.
The name points to the shared responsibility of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in protecting the mountain gorillas’ transboundary habitat.
Tarama, meaning “to socialise” or “come together,” was given by Qatari Olympic gold medallist Mutaz Essa Barshim to a male gorilla from the Humura family. Born on July 21, 2025, to mother Impuhwe, the name reflects the ability of nature to bring people together across cultures and borders.
From leadership to frontline protection
Some names underline the responsibility that comes with protecting the gorillas and their habitat.
Ngabonzima, meaning “protector,” was given to a male gorilla from the Segasira family by global philanthropists Garreth and Nicola Wood, co-founders of Kids Operating Room.
Born on December 28, 2025, to mother Ukwiyunga, he is the first-born male in his family. The name carries the hope that he will eventually support the dominant male in protecting the group.
Ndongozi, meaning “leader,” was chosen by Aston Villa legend and former Wales international James Chester for a male gorilla born to mother Isaro of the Musilikale family. The baby joins the largest gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.
Meanwhile, Ndahiro, meaning “commitment,” was given by Nyungwe National Park ranger Jeannette Uwimbabazi to a male gorilla from the Musilikale family.
Born on December 28, 2025, to mother Bukima, the name represents the shared responsibility to protect mountain gorillas, their habitat and Rwanda’s wider biodiversity.
The frontline role of rangers is also reflected in Ruhembe, meaning “at the forefront.” Neil McDougall, founder and Chairman of DelAgua, and Susan McDougall gave the name to a male gorilla from the Izuba family, born on August 9, 2025, to mother Mbele.
The name recognises the rangers who work on the frontline every day to protect Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and their habitat.
Names rooted in Rwanda’s heritage
Several names connect the gorillas to Rwandan culture and traditions.
Inkera, meaning “traditional celebration,” was given to a male gorilla from the Pablo family by Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO and majority shareholder of Atlético de Madrid and a member of the UEFA Executive Committee.
Born on July 31, 2025, to mother Isangano, the gorilla arrived just one day before Umuganura, Rwanda’s traditional harvest and thanksgiving celebration.
Muganura, also inspired by the harvest and thanksgiving tradition, was given to a male gorilla from the Izuba family by former France and Manchester United captain Patrice Evra.
Born on March 20, 2026, to mother Mafubo, the baby was her first infant, making the birth particularly significant for the mother and her family.
Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo chose Bukaka, meaning “majesty, strength and power,” for a baby from the Humura family.
Born on July 28, 2025, to mother Ururabo, the name celebrates the strength of the baby’s lineage and the continuing story of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Light, destiny and a continuing conservation story
Other names look beyond individual characteristics to the broader role of gorillas in conservation.
Mucyo, meaning “light,” was given by Olivier Granet, Managing Partner and Co-CEO of Kasada Capital Management, alongside Quitterie Granet, to a male gorilla from the Ntambara family. Born to mother Urahirwa, the name recognises the role mountain gorillas play in drawing attention to the protection of Rwanda’s wider biodiversity.
Igeno, meaning “destiny,” was chosen by Kelly O’Meara, Executive Director of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, for a female gorilla born on March 15, 2025, to mother Tabaro of the Musilikale family. She begins life surrounded by several generations of relatives.
Impeta, meaning “an award” or “symbol of recognition,” was chosen by Rwandan gospel singer and songwriter Israel Mbonyi for a male gorilla from the Izuba family. Born on August 9, 2025, to mother Mbele, the name honours Rwanda’s continued progress and commitment to protecting its natural heritage.
Komezutsinde, meaning “keep winning,” was given by Dominique Laura Plewes, CEO, philanthropy leader and founder of the SOF Support Foundation, to a male gorilla born on June 19, 2025, to mother Nzeri of the Mutobo family.
The name reflects continued success in conserving Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Alastair Fothergill named a female gorilla Mpinga, meaning “on the top.” Born on November 11, 2025, to mother Teta of the Pablo family, the name carries a wish that she will thrive as Rwanda’s conservation progress continues across generations.
Another baby, Kambere, was named by Susan Hollern, founder and President of Hope Haven Rwanda. The female gorilla was born on December 5, 2025, to mother Ntamupaka of the Kwisanga Group.
The name recognises Volcanoes National Park’s role in welcoming visitors to Rwanda and connecting them with the country’s natural heritage.
Together, the 22 names tell a broader story about what Rwanda’s conservation programme seeks to protect and the values it hopes to sustain.
More than 1,060 mountain gorillas now live in the wild across the Virunga Massif and Bwindi ecosystem, making mountain gorillas the only great ape whose population continues to grow.
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