Two tiny new arrivals are already drawing crowds at the Houston Zoo, and one of them has a name that Astros fans will instantly recognize.
On Wednesday, the zoo announced the debut of two baby primates, including a howler monkey named Tuve in honor of Jose Altuve. The baby monkey was born on March 20 and officially introduced on Altuve’s birthday, May 6.
The name is also a nod to their shared South American roots. Altuve was born in Venezuela, while howler monkeys are native to regions including the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands.
“Altuve hits dingers. Tuve turns up the volume,” the zoo wrote in a birthday post celebrating the Astros star. “Today, we are proud to wish Jose Altuve a very happy birthday and celebrate the hometown hero who continues to inspire our community.”
The zoo said the newborn is already out in the habitat with his family, including Mom Charlie, Dad Howie and big sister Riley. Guests visiting South America’s Pantanal may be able to spot the tiny monkey clinging to his mother’s stomach, side or back.
Howler monkeys are known for their booming calls and are considered among the loudest land animals on Earth. The Houston Zoo partners with conservation groups working to protect their habitat in the wild.
The zoo also announced the birth of a white-cheeked gibbon at the Wortham World of Primates. The newborn, born April 28 to longtime residents Ting and Max, has not yet been named. He is the couple’s second son and younger brother to Marv, who made history in 2023 as the first white-cheeked gibbon born at the Houston Zoo.
White-cheeked gibbons are critically endangered in their native Southeast Asia.
“Mother and baby are bonding well, and the animal care team is closely monitoring the pair during these critical early weeks,” the zoo said.
Visitors will be able to see both young primates during the zoo’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.