[Oita City, Oita Prefecture] The First Baby Monkey of Takasakiyama, "Milano," Has Been Born! ~Named "Milano"~

Reiwa 8 (2026), Takasakiyama's first baby monkey "Milano" and mother monkey "Hakuseki". Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden holds a public naming contest each year for the first baby monkey born, aiming for the public to feel a sense of closeness. This year, we received 2,158 applications for names from March 15th (Sunday). From these submissions, the name "Milano", which received 53 votes, was selected for this year's first baby monkey, in honor of the "Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics" held in February! Approximately 150 baby monkeys are born each year during the birthing season (around April to August). Please come and visit to see the adorable baby monkeys. [About the First Baby Monkey] Name: Milano, Gender: Male, Mother Monkey: Hakuseki (Group B, 9 years old). *Milano is Hakuseki's second child. Milano usually stays at the monkey feeding ground with its mother Hakuseki from approximately 1 PM to 5 PM. Names and origins of recent first baby monkeys: Year: 2025, Baby Monkey's Name: Banpaku, Origin: Named after the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Year: 2024, Baby Monkey's Name: Dekopin, Origin: Named after Shohei Ohtani's beloved dog, who is active in MLB. Year: 2023, Baby Monkey's Name: Peppermill, Origin: Named after the performance at the WBC. Year: 2022, Baby Monkey's Name: Peace, Origin: Wishing for world peace. Year: 2021, Baby Monkey's Name: Amabie, Origin: Wishing for the end of the coronavirus. [Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden Basic Information] Takasakiyama is rare for an urban area in that wild Japanese macaques inhabit it. Takasakiyama's monkeys and their habitat were designated as a natural monument in 1953 (Showa 28) due to being a valuable animal and natural environment. At Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, wild monkeys are fed, and currently, two groups alternate appearing at the monkey feeding ground, where they can be seen relaxing throughout the park. The staff's explanations are enjoyable, making it a place where you can feel close to each monkey and fully enjoy "monkeys and nature." Business Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (No regular holidays). Last admission until 4:30 PM. *Business hours may change during Golden Week and Obon holidays. *The park may be temporarily closed a few days a year. Admission Fees (Per person): General Admission: Adults 500 yen, Group Admission (20 people or more) 400 yen. High school students, etc. (Note): 250 yen, Group Admission 200 yen. Children under elementary school age: Free, Group Admission Free. (Note) "High school students, etc." refers to those who are before the first March 31st after reaching 18 years old. *Elementary and junior high school students from Oita City are free. Please bring your student ID or student handbook. *Admission and "Sarukko Rail" are free for those with a Physical Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, or Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate, and their caregiver (1 person). Please present them at the admission counter. *For groups from welfare facilities, please apply for reduction/exemption in advance. Sarukko Rail Fees: Operating Hours: 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Last downhill train: 4:50 PM. Round trip Sarukko Rail: General 160 yen, High school students, etc. 80 yen (Children under elementary school age are free). *Operates at 8 to 10-minute intervals. *May be suspended due to bad weather, equipment, inspection, etc. Parking: Fees (Per vehicle): Usage Hours: 1st/2nd Parking Lots: Standard/Light vehicles 420 yen, Buses 1,050 yen, Motorcycles Free. 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. 3rd Parking Lot: Standard/Light vehicles 420 yen. 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. *Usage hours may change during Golden Week and Obon holidays. *Payment is cash only. [Others] Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden is currently selling annual passports (1,000 yen/valid for 1 year) at the entrance, which allows for convenient and affordable entry multiple times. Purchasers receive an original sacoche as a gift. Scene of baby monkeys (typical annual scene) Scene of monkey feeding ground. [Inquiries] Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, 3098-1 Kanzaki, Oita City, 870-0802. Phone: 097-532-5010.