In middle America, in the shadow of Chicago, lies a well kept animal collection called the Phillips Park Zoo. The city of Aurora is proud of their community and supports this unique educational opportunity for schools, civic clubs, and families to visit a 10-acre park home for about 100 animals, mostly North America species.

Randy Johnson is the park’s director and motivating force behind its decade long re-vamping process. He maximizes his accomplishments by augmenting the 5 full-time paid staff with the city's water, electric and other service employees for park construction and maintenance.

Phillips Park is described by some visitors as "small", or "cute", but mostly what the visitors remark about is how much they enjoy being able to see America’s wildlife up close and personal.  What is even more memorable about a visit is that the staff gives guided tours.

Phillips Park has been awarded Feline Facility Accreditation by the FCF Accreditation committee for its outstanding cougar enclosure. The two resident cougars live in a 3600 square foot habitat topped with stainless steel mesh. Inside is an earthen den, rock piles and a connected combination night time quarters and food preparation building. The indoor cougar enclosures are 120 square feet each with heated concrete floors and constructed of 9-gauge chain link.