Japanese zoo backtracks on royal-inspired 'Charlotte' monkey name

OITA, Japan, May 7 (UPI) -- A Japanese zoo that previously announced it would name its newborn monkey Charlotte after the royal baby said the plan is being reconsidered.

The Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden announced the baby macaque, the first born this year, would be dubbed Charlotte in honor of Price William and Duchess Kate's newborn royal Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, but officials said they are now reconsidering the plan after complaints from the public.

The zoo said Charlotte was the top pick from suggestions solicited from the public, receiving 59 of 853 votes cast by fans, but the Wednesday announcement led to about 300 phone calls and emails from fans of the royal family who said the name choice was disrespectful. Officials said many of the complaining messages asked how Japanese citizens would react if a British zoo named a monkey after a member of Japan's imperial family.

Zoo officials said alternate names for the newborn are being considered.