Rwanda has "baptised" 18 rare baby mountain gorillas at what has become an annual event to highlight the plight of the endangered species.

But the baby gorillas did not attend the colourful ceremony at the edge of a national park where the primates live.

Instead, 18 masked people represented the gorillas at the event, which included songs and dances, attended by senior government officials including Prime Minister Bernard Makuza.

"This campaign is to encourage gorilla conservation initiatives and to promote the local tourism industry," Tourism Minister Monique Nsanzabaganwa said.

The ceremony was the fifth of its kind in Rwanda in as many years.

More than 100 gorillas have been "baptised" and officially received a name.

KINIGI AFP