From Beyoncé to Klin Kaara: Beetles, birds, and more named after famous celebs

India Today

4 hours ago

In the world of Indian zoos and wildlife parks, naming animals after celebrities has become a delightful tradition. It creates a special bond between visitors and the animals, making the experience more memorable and fun. From Bollywood stars to sports legends, many famous personalities have inspired the names of animals in India. The latest addition to this charming list is a baby tigress named after Ram Charan and Upasana Kamineni Konidela's daughter, Klin Kaara.advertisementTHE STORY OF KLIN KAARA THE TIGRESSJust last year, a newborn tigress at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad was christened Klin Kaara in an uplifting tribute to the celebrity couple's daughter. Ram Charan, the famous South Indian actor, and his wife Upasana had their daughter, Klin Kaara, in June 2023 after eleven years of marriage.
On Klin Kaara's second birthday in June 2025, Upasana shared an emotional moment on social media. She shared a photo of herself and her daughter, Ready, sitting beside the enclosure of the now-growing, playful tigress that was named after her and shares the same birthday. Upasana appraised the Hyderabad Zoo for this sweet gesture and acknowledged wildlife conservation with dignity and care. She shared, 'A year ago, she was just a little cub. Today, she is a playful tigress and shares the same name with our Klin Kaara! Here's to growing up with kindness, courage, and compassion.This fun and thoughtful tradition helps bring public attention to newly discovered species and endangered wildlife. It also connects science with pop culture in an engaging way.HERE'S A LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST INTERESTING ANIMALS NAMED AFTER CELEBRITIES:advertisementKlin Kaara – A Feathered Tribute to Ram Charan's DaughterIn 2025, a newly discovered bird species in South India was named after Klin Kaara Konidela, daughter of actors Ram Charan and Upasana Kamineni. This naming celebrates both celebrity legacy and regional pride, marking a notable moment in Indian celebrity culture and wildlife conservation.Arnold Schwarzenegger – A Strong BeetleThe beetle Agra schwarzeneggeri was named after Arnold Schwarzenegger due to its muscular, bicep-like femora, reminding scientists of the actor's physique. Angelina Jolie – A Spider with a PurposeThe trapdoor spider Aptostichus angelinajolieae was named in honour of Angelina Jolie's humanitarian work, especially her efforts with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.Beyonc – The Golden Horse FlyThe Australian horse fly Scaptia beyonceae is known for its dense golden hair on the abdomen, inspiring its name after Beyonc, with the researcher playfully referencing her song 'Bootylicious.'Taylor Swift – A Millipede Fan MomentA species of millipede named Nannaria swiftae honours Taylor Swift, reflecting the scientist's admiration for her music and cultural impact.Shakira – A Dancing WaspThe parasitic wasp Aleiodes shakirae was named after Shakira because the caterpillar host twists and wiggles in a dance-like manner when the wasp lays eggs inside it.advertisementSir David Attenborough – The Nature IconSir David Attenborough has over 40 species named after him, including frogs, dinosaurs, and prehistoric fish, recognising his lifelong contribution to wildlife awareness and conservation.Shah Rukh KhanA goat and a dog have been named after Shah Rukh Khan, reflecting his immense popularity. A goat named Shah Rukh was the central character in the National Award-winning film Bakrapur, inspired by this trend. There is also a lunar crater named after him by the New York-based International Lunar Geographic Society. Additionally, fans have named pets and other things after him in India and abroad.Naming animals after celebrities may seem amusing to some, but it also plays an important role in conservation education and public engagement. It serves to connect people with nature, spark curiosity in science, and honour those who have made significant contributions to improving the world.