Buffalo Zoo welcomes baby giraffe

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - 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 male, Jabari, on August 9, 2006, this is also Akili's "first daughter."

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 enongated, they consist of seven vertebrae, just like humans.