Claim: Phillips Park Zoo was established in 1915, the zoo had 5 black bears 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. It was once home to exotic animals such as giraffes and monkeys, but the zoo's focus changed to native animals after Brookfield Zoo opened in 1934.