Meet The New Arrivals

This male baby gorilla was born on 6 January 2021 to Ejoheza from the Isimbi family of mountain gorillas and was named by Jes Gruner, Regional Operations Manager at African Parks Network. This name was chosen to symbolise the growing mountain gorilla population as a gift to Rwanda.

This female baby gorilla was born on 6 February 2021 to Ikaze from the Musilikale family of mountain gorillas and was named by Ms. Jeanne d’Arc Uwamahoro, a youth volunteer and Ms. Alphonsine Niwemugeni, a community health worker. The name Mpanuro was given as an appreciation of the continuous efforts of Rwanda’s youth volunteers and community health workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

This male baby gorilla was born on 7 January 2021 to Inkubito from the Muhoza family of mountain gorillas and was named by Clementine Uwamahoro, Conservation Technology Officer at Akagera National Park. This name recognises Rwanda’s future generations as the custodians of biodiversity conservation.

This female baby gorilla was born on 23 December 2020 to Kubana from the Kureba family of mountain gorillas and was named by Dr. Senait Fisseha, Director of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation. The name was chosen to honour the efforts of mothers in raising their offspring.The survival of gorilla infants largely depends on their mothers. View a photo of Mubyeyi here.

This male baby gorilla was born on 27 June 2021 to Magayene from the Hirwa family of mountain gorillas and was named by Antony Lynam, Representative of International Congress on Conservation Biology. The name serves to celebrate the growing mountain gorilla population and promote a conducive environment for them to thrive.

This female baby gorilla was born on 29 August 2020 to Nchili from the Kwitonda family of mountain gorillas and was named by Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade (Mr. Eazi). The name was chosen to show that Sangwa was a great addition not only to the Kwitonda family but Rwanda’s growing mountain population as a whole.

This female baby gorilla was born on 18 June 2021 to Nezerwa from the Amahoro family of mountain gorillas and was named by Environmentalist and Photographer, Yann Arthus Bertrand. The name was chosen as a celebration of Rwanda’s beauty that has been amplified by the successful conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas which has positioned the country as a world-class tourism destination.

This female baby gorilla was born on 1January 2021 to Okapi from the Kwitonda family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and was named by Dr. Max Graham, Founder and CEO of Space for Giants. This name highlights the uniqueness of the Virunga massif, which remains the last refuge mountain gorillas call their habitat, as well as being the first African national park created in 1925 to protect the magnificent species.

This male baby gorilla was born on 24 December 2020 to Tegereza from the Ntambara family of mountain gorillas and was named by Professor Beth Kaplin, Director of the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management at the University of Rwanda. The name symbolises the commitment of park staff in safeguarding the safety and hygiene of the mountain gorillas by protecting themselves, their families and the community around them.

This female baby gorilla was born on 18 December 2020 to Umoja from the Hirwa family of mountain gorillas and was named by H.E Nicola Bellomo, European Union Ambassador to Rwanda. The name best describes the character of her mother Umoja, who moved from the Kwitonda to the Hirwa family and was able to integrate peacefully.

This male baby gorilla was born on 6 July 2021 to Ururabo from the Igisha family of mountain gorillas and was named by Aristide Mugabe, the team captain of the Patriots Basketball Club. The name was chosen to showcase the strength of partnerships as a key to Rwanda’s conservation success.

This male baby gorilla was born on 30 July 2020 to Makuba from the Kuryama family of mountain gorillas and was named by Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility. The name symbolises the immeasurable value given to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.