Where Do Gorillas Get Their Name From? A Look at Gorilla Naming
The name “gorilla” has a long and fascinating history. It comes from ancient explorers and continues to evolve in modern conservation work. Today, gorilla naming plays an important role in science, tourism, and awareness.
The Origin of the Word “Gorilla”
The word “gorilla” traces back to around 500 B.C. A Carthaginian explorer named Hanno the Navigator sailed along the West African coast. His crew encountered a group of hairy people. They called them “Gorillai”, a Greek word recorded by scribes.
Greek translations of Hanno’s report described these creatures as fearless and hairy women. While he likely saw chimpanzees or baboons, the name stuck. European scientists later used the term to label the great apes we now know as gorillas.
German naturalist Johann Friedrich Blumenbach officially used the term “gorilla” in scientific classification in 1776. Since then, the name has remained.
Scientific Naming of Gorillas
Gorillas belong to the genus Gorilla, with two main species:
- Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)
- Eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei)
Each species has subspecies. For example:
- Mountain gorilla – Gorilla beringei beringei
- Grauer’s gorilla – Gorilla beringei graueri
Scientists use Latin names to group gorillas by region and genetics. These names help in research, tracking, and conservation efforts.
Naming Gorillas in Conservation
In protected areas like Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, rangers and researchers name individual gorillas.
Each gorilla in a habituated group receives a unique name. This helps trackers follow families, monitor health, and record behavior. Names often reflect personality traits, birth stories, or cultural themes.
For example, a playful young gorilla may get a name that means “joy” or “light” in the local language.
Rwanda’s Kwita Izina Ceremony
Each year, Rwanda hosts a special gorilla naming ceremony called Kwita Izina. The event celebrates the birth of baby gorillas born in the past year. Leaders, scientists, conservationists, and even celebrities gather to give names to the newborns.
The names come with deep meaning. They raise awareness about conservation and inspire community pride. Kwita Izina has become one of Africa’s top wildlife events, attracting global attention.
Gorilla Naming in Research and Tourism
Naming gorillas also benefits tourism. Trekkers can follow the life story of a known gorilla, like Titus, a famous silverback studied for decades. Personalized names create emotional connections and support conservation funding.
Researchers keep detailed records for each named gorilla. They include health history, group changes, and movements.
Know Their Names, Support Their Future
Gorilla names carry history, culture, and science. From ancient myths to modern conservation, the way we name gorillas reveals how much we value them.
Whether you’re tracking gorillas in the misty mountains or reading about them from afar, knowing their names helps you connect. These names turn animals into individuals—and individuals into ambassadors for the wild.
