Now there's a giraffe named after Malia Obama

A baby giraffe at the Buffalo (N.Y.) Zoo has been named Malia, after the president's older daughter. WGRZ reports:

Officials at the Zoo are defending their decision, saying it was their intention to honor the new President, not offend anyone.

"Certainly there was no intention on the part of the President, or board, or anyone here at the Zoo to be offensive," says Hal Payne, Vice Chair of the Zoo's Board of Directors.

Payne adds that many animals have been named after famous people through the years. Two other giraffes were named after Goldie Hawn and Clint Eastwood. They also named a serval after Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys. In addition, Zoo President Donna Ferndandes is the namesake of a porcupine at the Prospect Park Zoo in New York City.

"Malia," the giraffe, is the first daughter of the Zoo's female giraffe, Akilli. Zoo officials say it was timely to name one first daughter for another, especially because the giraffe was born so close to inauguration day.

Related: Zoos lack funds to inspire Obama's future scientists (Reuters)

Comments

[Lisa]

I understand that there are some people that are offended by this and want the name changed. I say "TUFF." Don't change the name. Until you hear The Obama's complaining keep the name. I'm sick of these people using every excuse to get what they want. I used to think that Obama being President was a good thing but now I'm not so sure.

[Sara]

I think it ia adorable that baby giraffe is named for Malia. I think it is a cute gesture.