Rwanda Names 24 New Baby Gorillas

The annual naming ceremony is a Rwandan tradition.

ByABC News
September 6, 2015, 2:29 PM
Umurimos's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Umurimos's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Keiko Mori

— -- These adorable gorillas were some of the 24 babies that were named in a traditional Rwandan ceremony, which is held as part of the country's efforts to strengthen the gorilla population.

PHOTO: Ubumuntu's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Ubumuntu's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.

The baby gorillas were each given a name Saturday that represents their personality, birth or a hope for the future.

One gorilla was named "Icyifuzo," which translates to "wish," while another was named "Guhuza," meaning "come together."

PHOTO: Ikirezi's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Ikirezi's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
PHOTO: Mbere's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Mbere's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.

The annual "Kwita Izina" naming ceremony is a part of Rwanda's gorilla conservation efforts.

A 2010 report showed "encouraging growth" in the gorilla population, with a 26 percent growth in a period of seven years, according to the Rwanda Development Board.

PHOTO: Mahane's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Mahane's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
PHOTO: Gutungara's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Gutungara's baby gorilla is pictured. Rwanda named 24 new baby gorillas during the 11th Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina, at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.