Tales and Treasures from Kwita Izina

Anna Behm Masozera June 19, 2012

About the Author

Anna Behm Masozera is the Director of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme since 2013. Originally from Iowa in the United States, she has called the hills and volcanoes of the Greater Virunga region home for many years, previously serving as Communications Officer for the coalition… More

Last weekend, Rwanda hosted the 8th Annual mountain gorilla naming ceremony called Kwita Izina. Here is a taste of the two-day event, in which all get to celebrate the conservation of the critically-endangered mountain gorillas. Photos by Jackson Rwasa for IGCP.

Drummers and dancers entertain and tell stories at Igitaramo, the community celebration the night before Kwita Izina.

Drummers and dancers entertain and tell stories at Igitaramo, the community celebration the night before Kwita Izina.

Another photograph from Igitaramo held June 15, 2012, in advance of the Kwita Izina mountain gorilla naming ceremony.

Another photograph from Igitaramo held June 15, 2012, in advance of the Kwita Izina mountain gorilla naming ceremony.

Student animal theatre sponsored by Art of Conservation. Beautiful animal masks used by beautiful children.

Student animal theatre sponsored by Art of Conservation. Beautiful animal masks used by beautiful children.

The 20 \'mountain gorillas\' that were named on June 16, 2012. The performers were very convincing as they moved around the space as a family group, with RDB and Karisoke trackers monitoring them. All very realistic!

The 20 'mountain gorillas' that were named on June 16, 2012. The performers were very convincing as they moved around the space as a family group, with RDB and Karisoke trackers monitoring them. All very realistic!

IGCP's Interim Director, Augustin Basabose, gives the name of Kungahara to the baby born to Mugeni in the Kwitonda group. 'Kungahara' means 'to be prosperous'.

IGCP's Interim Director, Augustin Basabose, gives the name of Kungahara to the baby born to Mugeni in the Kwitonda group. 'Kungahara' means 'to be prosperous'.