How Jaffa Got Her Name
Jaffa got her name long before she ever arrived at Amaris.
Many years ago, I watched a beautiful documentary called Kangaroos – Faces in the Mob. It followed the everyday lives of wild kangaroos—how they played, learned, and looked out for one another in the bush.
One little kangaroo stayed with me.
His name was Jaffa.
That Jaffa was young, curious, and determined. He faced all the challenges that come with being a small roo in a big, busy world. Watching his journey made a lasting impression on me. He showed how much strength can live inside such small, vulnerable beginnings—and how hard the bush can be for young animals finding their way.
I never forgot him.
A Name That Didn’t Quite Fit
Years later, when a new joey came into my care alongside Jaidee and Jola, she arrived with a rather grand name.
Princess Buttercup.
It was sweet… but it didn’t feel quite right.
As I watched her hop, wobble, grow stronger, and slowly find her feet, I realised she reminded me of someone.
She was curious.
She was resilient.
She kept going, even when things were hard.
I knew then—her name needed to change.
She became Jaffa.
More Than Just a Name
Naming her felt like more than choosing words.
It felt like making a promise.
A promise that this Jaffa would know warmth and safety.
A promise that she would be protected and cared for while she was growing up after rescue.
A promise that she would never be alone in her hardest moments.
Growing Up Together
With Jaidee and Jola by her side, Jaffa began learning how to be a kangaroo.
She learned how to play and explore.
How to rest in the quiet spaces between adventures.
How to belong.
Those early days were full of togetherness—of mischief, learning, and gentle comfort.
A Name That Carries a Story
Like all wildlife rescue stories, Jaffa’s journey became layered. Shaped not only by joy and growth, but also by change.
And it’s those moments—both happy and tender—that help explain the kangaroo Jaffa would grow into.
Her name carries a history.
Her story carries heart.
And her journey continues—growing, changing, and teaching us along the way.
Talk About It Together
Why do you think names can be very special?
What kind of kangaroo did Jaffa grow into after she got her name?
If you could name an animal, what name would you choose and why?
Try This Together:
“Name + Meaning” Badge
You need: Paper, markers, scissors (adult), tape
Make a simple badge that says “JAFFA.”
Ask your child to draw what kind of roo Jaffa is (brave? kind? curious?) using pictures (a heart, stars, bouncing legs).
Wear it during reading time.
Optional: Let your child invent a gentle animal name and explain why.