Sunday, July 10, 2011

Kwita Izina


Kwita Izina and it means “To give a name,” it is a joyous event and occassion to welcome a child into the family and community. This tradition was adapted to the endangered gorillas in 2004.
I had the opportunity to attend the 7th Annual gorilla naming ceremony at the National Volcano Park in Kinigi, Rwanda.  This year’s theme was “Every name has a story….” At this event each year they official name all of the baby gorillas that were born during the past year. This year they named 21 babies.

This event is a really big deal because of the conservation efforts to bring attention of the need to preserve the natural habitats of the Sliver Back gorillas in rain forests and volcanic area of the East Africa region. The event was attended by major heads of international corporations, Ambassadors and other local political leaders.

The only disappointment of the event for me is that you do not see the actual baby gorillas that are being named, because that would be harmful to remove them from their mothers and natural habitat. So what you get are children in gorilla suits. You know I had to work that issue. All in all is was a pretty good way to spend a Saturday. A four hour drive in the mountains (round trip), a local cultural fundraising event and some local food at one of the local hotels on the way home.

When I get the money I guess I will go on one of the gorilla trekking expeditions.


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