Yet another baby giraffe was introduced to the world last week. Born on January 10, “Malia” (named after President Obama’s first born daughter) is on view now at the Buffalo Zoo!

Buffalo,
NY – The Buffalo Zoo is pleased to announce the latest addition
to its animal family—a baby reticulated giraffe!

The
female calf was born on January 10, 2009 to father, Cain, and mother,
Akili. Since she was born so close to Inauguration Day, Zoo officials
have named the calf “Malia” in honor of President Obama
and First Lady, Michelle Obama’s, first-born daughter. As Akili
previously gave birth to a male named Jabari on August 9, 2006, this
is also Akili’s “first daughter.”

To
ensure visitors’ safety as construction continues on the
expansion of the Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital (which is attached
to the Giraffe House), as well as to ensure proper bonding between
mother and calf, the inside doors to the Giraffe House are locked.
However, visitors may view Malia, Akili, Cain and the other members
of their herd, Agnes and Jennie, through the glass doors of the
Giraffe House vestibule.

Found
in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert, giraffes can reach a height of
approximately 14 to 18 feet, making them the tallest living mammals
in the world. While giraffes’ necks are greatly elongated, they
consist of seven vertebrae, just like humans.