Annual popularity vote begins at Monkey Park in Oita

Visitors to the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden in the southwestern Japanese Prefecture of Oita, which is home to more than 800 monkeys, are casting votes for their favorite primates.

The zoo's annual quest to find its most popular monkey kicked off on Saturday. Visitors can choose from 16 candidates, including "Maruo" with which they can take pictures, and "Yakei" which has become the first female boss of the herd.

The operator of the garden said seven of the monkeys are first-time candidates. The park operator said there are many distinctive monkeys, and she would like visitors to find and vote for their favorites. Voting will continue until March 15 and the result will be announced on March 22. People can either place voting forms into a ballot box in the park, or send them by email.