Japan zoo apologises for naming monkey Charlotte
TOKYO: A Japanese zoo has apologised after receiving complaints over naming a baby monkey Charlotte for the newborn British princess.
The Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden said Thursday it was considering renaming the macaque. It was flooded with calls and emails after announcing the name for its first monkey born this year, a tradition at the zoo.
Charlotte was the favorite in a ballot, receiving 59 out of 853 votes before the female monkey was born. Votes for Charlotte surged after the British princess was named Monday and topped the ballot.
Many critics said giving the princess’ name to a monkey was disrespectful to British royals. According to zoo official Akira Asano, some said the Japanese people would feel offended if a monkey were named after Japanese princesses.
The complaints originated in Japan. Asano said he was not aware of any complaints from British citizens. He said the zoo has also received sup- port for Charlotte, and the views are now divided.
“We deeply apologise for causing trouble to many people over the naming of the first baby (monkey),” said a statement posted on the zoo’s website. “We take these opinions seriously.”
Officials at the zoo and the city were still discussing what to do with the monkey’s name.
The zoo now plans to seek advice from the British Embassy before making a final decision.