• nshuti

A diverse group of namers participated in the ceremony, including celebrities, passionate conservationists, and representatives from international organizations. Below, several of these individuals share their reflections on their experiences in Rwanda.

US Comedian Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart, the American comedian and actor, sent a virtual message where he named a baby gorilla “Gakondo.” He expressed amazement after meeting an incredible gorilla family. Furthermore, he promised to follow the gorilla’s progress through pictures and updates. Hart thanked Rwanda for organizing the ceremony for the past 19 years.

“I am amazed by the work you are doing here. Seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat, majestic as they are… is simply life-changing. I can’t wait for others to have the same incredible experience I had,” he said.

Idris Elba

British actor and producer Idris Elba, together with his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba, an activist and UN Goodwill Ambassador for IFAD, named their baby gorilla “Narame.” Elba, who last visited Rwanda in 2005, praised the country’s remarkable progress and its role as a shining example for Africa.

“Geographically, Rwanda lies at the heart of Africa, and you are indeed the heart of Africa. Thank you so much. Long live Rwanda,” he stated.

UK Minister Andrew Mitchell

The UK’s Minister of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office commended the conservation efforts in Rwanda. Additionally, he extended congratulations from friends of Rwanda in the UK for the country’s achievements across various fields. He named his baby gorilla “Mukundwa.”

Larry Green

As a Board Trustee at the African Wildlife Foundation, Larry Green named his baby gorilla “Ingoboka” (Support). He emphasized the leadership of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the amazing conservation opportunities Rwanda provides.

“The word ‘support’ connects us to the greater level of support—how the gorilla population supports the community and how the people of Rwanda, in turn, support the gorillas. It’s a mutual love affair,” he explained.

Prof. Őzlem Türeci

Along with Dr. Sierk Poetting, Chief Operating Officer at BioNTech SE, Prof. Őzlem Türeci named their baby gorilla “Intiganda.” Poetting shared her admiration for Rwanda, where their company has been operating for a year, and praised the country’s passionate population.

“You are remarkable for your perseverance, determination, and commitment,” she remarked. “This is visible in the impressive work being done in the Volcanoes National Park and how your country is progressing. We’re honored to work together with you toward building sustainable mRNA vaccine manufacturing capabilities here in Kigali.”

American Actor Danai Gurira

The Black Panther actress, activist, and playwright emphasized that Rwanda has embarked on an inspiring journey to protect wildlife for future generations. She felt honored to be part of that journey.

“I’m inspired by the achievements so far, including this incredible ceremony,” she said after naming her baby gorilla “Aguka.”

Audrey Azoulay

The Director General of UNESCO expressed gratitude to the people of Rwanda’s Northern and Western provinces for their support of the ambitious policy, which has become one of the country’s most significant successes.

Furthermore, she pointed out that Volcanoes National Park earned its UNESCO status by focusing on three essential pillars: science, biodiversity, and sustainable income generation for local communities.

Zurab Pololikashvili

The Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) named the gorilla “Inshingano,” meaning “responsibility.” He reaffirmed UNWTO’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s tourism initiatives and praised the substantial progress made.

Moreover, he lauded the Kwita Izina ceremony as an exemplary model for promoting global tourism, with Rwanda leading the way.

Sol Campbell

The legendary Arsenal figure named the baby gorilla “Jijuka,” symbolizing enlightenment and a peaceful, environmentally stable future for generations to come.

Joe Schoendorf

A Silicon Valley pioneer, Joe Schoendorf named his baby gorilla “Uburinganire”, which signifies gender equality. He acknowledged Rwanda’s dedication to building a society where gender equality allows everyone to reach their full potential.

Schoendorf also commended the cleanliness of Kigali and praised President Paul Kagame’s leadership, stating that the world would benefit from more leaders of his caliber.

Anders Holch Poylsen

The Chief Executive Officer of Bestseller reflected on his time in Rwanda, learning about the remarkable conservation efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats for generations.

“This work is challenging, but I am deeply inspired by the achievements,” he said after naming his baby gorilla “Umutako.”

For more details, visit: https://khillsafaris.com/ Kwita Izina: What Gorilla Namers Said About Rwanda