The naming of the young or infant mountain gorillas has
become an important annual nationwide tradition in the republic of Rwanda. It
has become very important for the last 12 years. This ceremony is called Kwita
Izina. It is based on a historic Rwandan cultural practice for naming the young
gorillas which have just been born. This practice was adapted and enhanced to
celebrate the successful gorilla protection and conservation in the republic of
Rwanda. This activity is usually carried
for one week alongside some conservation and awareness activities within the
government leaders, local groups, students, park staff and celebrities. The
communities join this event to help chose the names for the gorillas which are
born in the during the past year. During this integrated approach to
conservation in the republic of Rwanda, through tourism, government commitment,
research, protection and community initiatives, it has seen the successfulness
of the Kwita Izina becoming very important in the national celebrations. It
should be noted that the naming of
mountain gorillas goes back to the days
of Dian Fossey when she worked in
Rwanda, when she had began habituating
the endangered mountain gorillas from human presence. Fortunately, after her
death, the park and staff of, Fossey Fund staff and many scientists continued
with this tradition of naming the gorilla infants. Until 2005, the government
decided to formalize it into a national celebration and it is officially known
as the “Kwita Inzina”
Often this occasion
involves the;
A traditional gala which is performed at the new
convention center within the capital city of Rwanda Kigali. This is performed
to help and raise funds for several conservation projects.
There is a conservation and tourism exhibition carried
out at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village. During this conservation, the staff from
three main national parks in Rwanda present their activities. These activities
are presented, alongside with posters and other information presented by
students and researchers.
During this ceremony, the second edition of the
conversation on Conservation,” a two-day conference is focused on sustainable
development and the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking.
From 2015, the 12th Kwita Izina Ceremony was
held in Kinigi. It featured a speech from the Rwandan president Paul Kagame and
a unique gorilla-shaped stage featuring a speech by Rwandan President Paul
Kagame. A unique gorilla-shaped stage made out of bamboo and wood created the
backdrop for this event. This is performed along side with dancing and other
entertainment.
This year, 22 gorilla infants received the surviving
Isaro twin and eight others from groups monitored by Karisoke. The Isaro’s infant
received the name “Kura,” which means grow. This was intended as a wish that
this infant will grow strong, along with his group and Kura was born on Jan. 18
of this year as a twin, in Isabukuru’s group. Unluckily, other twins died in
August, which resulted as a result of interaction with another group. The Isabukuru’s group was formed in 2007 and
grew rapidly to 20 members. Presently, it has got two silverbacks. Isabukuru is
well established as the dominant male and the mother of Isaro had her first infant
in Isabukuru’s group in 2008, but unfortunately this infant died on the same
day. After that, she gave birth to two more offspring, both of whom still live
with her in Isabukuru’s group.
The other infants in Karisoke groups which received names
this year included;
-
The Pasika’s infant. This was named “Mashami,” and this
means Palm Sunday. This is because this infant was born on March 21, 2016.
-
The second infant was Kurinda’s Infant. This was named
Nyampinga which means beautiful girl
-
The third name is Nzeli’s infant. This received
“Ukwiyunga,” meaning “to unite.” This name was chosen by the Urban Boys Group.
-
Taraja also recieved a name. It is called now called
Ishimwe,”which means to be happy.
-
Mukecuru’s infant is now called “Inshungu,”. This means
replacement or blessing. This is because this mother had gone a long time
without having an infant. This name was chosen by celebrity Sir David
Attenborough, who has created numerous nature documentaries, including on the
mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
-
The Izuru’s infant
is now called “Ndumunyarwanda. This means
“I’m Rwandan.” This name was chosen by a top young Rwandan student.
-
Izihirwa’s infant
is now called “Umwiza,. This means “the
beautiful one. It was also chosen by a
top young student.
-
The Akamaro’s
infant is now called “Umuhuza,” meaning “someone who unites people.
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