12/28/2008:
The Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot began in 1920 and among it early inhabitants were two ring-tailed monkeys. The two monkeys were named Adam and Eve, and it was only natural that their first born be named Abel. But on this date in 1926, it was announced that baby Able, the first monkey born at the Zoo, had died. It was noted that Eve was unable to properly feed Abel and several attempts were made to provide nourishment to him but no avail. When Abel died, Eve laid the remains gently in a box and partially covered it with straw. She then calmly allowed the box to be removed, while Adam solemnly watched.
Today, the Roosevelt Park Zoo has come a long ways from that time when the death of the tiny monkey saddened the hearts of people of Minot.
By Jim Davis
Source:
The Minot Daily News December 29, 1926