Zoo Sorry For Naming Baby Monkey Charlotte

A Japanese zoo has apologised for naming a baby monkey Charlotte after complaints that it is disrespectful to the British people.

Mt Takasaki Wild Monkey Park ran a public poll from 27 March to name the monkey - something it traditionally does for its first macaque born each year.

At first, Kei, which means "light", was the front runner.

But, after the naming of Britain's new princess earlier this week, the name Charlotte made a late surge and was chosen.

Not all Japanese people were impressed, however, with the zoo receiving complaints branding the choice as "rude to the British people".

The zoo responded by saying: "We deeply apologise for causing trouble to many people over the naming of the first baby (monkey).

"We take these opinions seriously."

A zoo official added: "The name was publicly solicited and Charlotte suddenly became the most popular choice - with 59 votes out of the total 853 - after the British baby princess's name was announced.

"Since we announced the name we've been receiving calls and emails from people mostly complaining that it is rude to British people."

He said the zoo, which is in southwestern Oita, on the island of Kyushu, is now considering the idea of choosing another name for the monkey.

Kyodo News said complainants had asked how Japanese people would react if a British zoo were to name an animal after a member of Japan's revered imperial family.

The princess's names were widely popular when they were announced in the UK, being seen as a triple homage to her grandfather Prince Charles, great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth and Prince William's late mother Diana.

The British royal family is very popular in Japan and a recent visit by William was followed closely by Japanese media.