Every June 5th is World Environmental Day and this year Rwanda honored the event by naming baby gorillas. The theme this year was “Many Species. One planet. One Future.” From the article on China’s Xinhuanet.com:
In the traditional Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming ceremony, this year’s People’s Choice name “Zoya”, which was chosen online by around 3,400 people around the planet, was announced by [Academy Award nominated actor, Don] Cheadle.
UNEP Climate Hero and acclaimed wildlife photographer Luo Hong from China announced a name “Waka Waka” for another baby gorilla which was selected by children from around the world in a global online competition, a press release from UNEP said.
Speaking at the naming ceremony, Executive Director of UNEP Steiner said “We are especially pleased by this year’s WED celebrations. Not only is Rwanda a pioneer in Green Economic growth with a true commitment to a cleaner development model, we have joined forces with partners to contribute to gorilla conservation and provide hundreds of solar lights for Rwandan villagers and schoolchildren.”
It was noted that if current trends continue, gorillas could be lost from the Greater Congo River basin in as little as 10 years.