Meet The New Arrivals

This baby female gorilla was born on 27 January 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. This 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.

This baby male gorilla was born on 3 April 2020 to Iriba from the Muhoza family of mountain gorillas and was named by Fidele Nizeyimana, Tracker, Volcanoes National Park. The success of gorilla conservation is always highly dependent on the development of and compliance with rigorous conservation guidelines. Among gorilla visitation guidelines, it is recommended to observe a distance between the gorillas and visitors. This is crucial to avoid any risk of disease transmission between humans and gorillas. View a photo of Amabwiriza here.

This baby female gorilla was born on 4 August 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.

This baby female gorilla was born on 11 October 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.

This baby male gorilla was born on 12 September 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.

This baby male gorilla was born on 11 May 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.

This baby gorilla was born on 21 Oct 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.

This baby female gorilla was born on 8 August 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.

This baby gorilla was born on 21 September 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.

This baby male gorilla was born on 5 September 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.

This baby male gorilla was born on 2 May 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.

This baby male gorilla was born on 11 November 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.