Something that is long overdue is the naming of all the new cubs born to the Djuma Clan over the last 6 months. WE feel it is time to move from referring to them as “Corky’s Cub” or “Heart’s Daughter” and that they deserve to have names of their own.
Just to remind you, we do our best to honour the tradition of naming animals in the language of the area, Xitsonga. We do this out of respect for this long-standing practice. Lauren joined forces with the Djuma guides for a brainstorming session, and together they have come up with some fantastic names.
Gingirika (Heart’s daughter) – pronounced gingi-rika
This means “always busy” which describes her perfectly.
Pfumela (Heart’s son) – pronounced pfu-mela
This means “subservient” as this young male is often dominated by his sister.
Braveheart (Corky’s Cub) – Although this name is not in the Xitsonga language, it is a name that all the guides have called her for a while. It suits her as she is super brave with a big heart.
The only one left to name is June’s Cub and WE feel that it is important for everyone who has bonded with this Clan to have a chance to vote on what they would like her to be called. Here is a picture of her.
We ‘think’ she may be the lowest-ranked of them all at the moment (not confirmed) as she is very sweet and slightly shy and so much smaller than the rest. She doesn’t like to sit alone; she always has to sit and cuddle the others. Although shy right now, you can tell she will be fierce like her mum with all the other cubs looking out for her. With this in mind, we have come up with three names for you to choose from:
- Navela (pronounced na-vela) – This means “adore”.
- Yimisela (pronounced yi-mi-sela) – This means “determined”.
- Xihleko (pronounced shi hle-ko) – This means “giggles”.
WE will be collecting votes via a Twitter poll. Our account @wildearth has a poll that you can use to vote. (Please note that the poll incorrectly gives the meaning for Xihleko as ‘subservient’. ‘Giggles’ is the correct meaning.)
The poll will close at 4 pm CAT on Friday, February 12th and the winning name will be announced during the Sunset Safari on that day.
Good Luck!
I’m so lucky to have found these stories & this site, all by accident ì came to SA & Cape Town 40odd
Years ago. Here I am & here ì stay
Braveheart name is a disappointment and sounds more like a Scottish movie with Mel Gibson running around in costume more than is does an African Tsonga respected name. I personally feel this name is disjointed to the hyena clan. What a pity.
I want to thanks the teams who rode out the recent cyclone and the following damages, etc. I’m new to the safaris and found the reminiscing between Steve and Tristan to be fascinating. It really helped me put the entire setting into perspective— the conservation areas, the animals & their histories, and the ways the guides, cameramen, etc., all have worked together to bring this adventure to us. I am 77 yrs old and wild life is my pet beagle! I’ve learned so much from you all! My grandchildren are getting tired hearing me say, “Guess what I learned today,,”. 😍. Thanks especially to Steve & Tristan for the entertainment ….. I really feel like I’m a part of the group. I did become an Explorer, even on my small income. Just love what you all are doing. Thanks to everyone!!!!
I don’t have a twitter account so can’t vote in this poll. In any event, I prefer Junebug – that’s been her name from first encounter. Why not apply the same standard to naming Junebug as used for Braveheart.
How can I get involved with the Bush the animals and a especially the hyenas.
Hi all. I vote for Navela. This name suits little junebug absolutely 💯 %. She is so adorable since the day we met her. Lauren you taught me so much of hyenas.