Claim: Phillips Park Zoo was established in 1915, the zoo had 5 black bears who are native to North America and they focused on displaying native animals.
Evidence: It was originally established in 1915, and is still open year-round with no admission charge. By 1920, the zoo had 5 black bears, 10 monkeys, 19 elk with 19 buffalo, 2 foxes, 1 wolf, and 20 deer, in addition to hundreds of birds. The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is a medium-sized bear native to North America. After the loss of the birdhouse and Brookfield Zoo opening in 1934, the Phillips Park Zoo refocused on displaying native animals.