PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release | 5.6.26
Download Photos, Gallery Password: HouZoo1922
Credit: Barbara Alicea-Aponte/Houston Zoo
HOUSTON (May 6, 2026) — Houston Zoo is marking Mother’s Day weekend celebrating the arrival of two baby primates: Tuve, a howler monkey born March 20, named in honor of Houston legend Jose Altuve, and a newborn white-cheeked gibbon born to longtime residents Ting and Max at Wortham World of Primates.
Tuve’s name pays tribute to Altuve on the occasion of his birthday, May 6, and nods to a shared origin — both Jose and the howler monkey hail from South America. Howler monkeys are native to the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands, and are among the loudest land animals on earth. The Houston Zoo works with conservation partners to protect howler monkey habitat in the wild.
Born April 28, the new gibbon, Ting and Max’s second son, joins big brother Marv, born May 30, 2023, in Wortham World of Primates. Mother and baby are bonding well, and the animal care team is closely monitoring the pair during these critical early weeks. White-cheeked gibbons are critically endangered across their native range in Southeast Asia.
Guests can meet both young animals during the Zoo’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can see Ting, Marv, and the new baby together at Wortham World of Primates and visit Tuve and his family in South America’s Pantanal. Three Mother’s Day packages are available starting at $89, including general admission, a professional photo, a mimosa, and a giraffe feeding. The Signature package, starting at $399, adds a 30-minute animal encounter and a Kendra Scott necklace. Tickets are available at www.houstonzoo.org.
###
The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Established in 1922, today the Zoo is a leading conservation and education nonprofit organization providing care to thousands of animals. All while remaining a cherished destination for fun, family, and inspiration for all of Houston’s diverse communities. The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. To stay informed about the Houston Zoo, visit www.houstonzoo.org.
