At a packed White House press conference today, Barack Obama showed off his new pet elephant.
The 48-year-old President met the 14-foot animal named John last month on an African safari, and the two are now inseparable.
The friendship, however, has caused some controversy. Obama's limousine has had to be modified to allow John to travel with him, and this week there were complaints that the animal has already caused $200,000 worth of damage to the White House.
The President's marriage has also come under strain. Wife Michelle this week complained that Obama insists the 9500-pound elephant shares their bed.
Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder plan to celebrate John and Obama's friendship by re-recording their classic 80s hit Ebony and Ivory.
