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Retro Game Walkthroughs For
"Zoo Tycoon"
(PC Games)

Retro Game Walkthroughs for Zoo Tycoon (PC Games)
Submitted By: Trish
This is my walkthrough for the freeform game, to get your zoo up
and running efficiently and profitably�.

When you start out with a new zoo the best animal to put into
your zoo first is the African Lion. Each lion costs 700 and it
is relatively easy to make a suitable exhibit and not that
costly. Lions prefer to have at least 3 animals in their
enclosure, but put 2 lions in at the start and they will have
cubs fairly quickly, usually in the first month, so to make a
suitable enclosure for 3-4 animals do the following:

-Use the chain link fence as your barrier.
-Make the enclosure 15x15 in size.
-Make the ground covering about 75% savannah, then add about 10
tiles of sand, 10 tiles of fresh water, and the rest of the
tiles dirt.
-Add two concrete shelters that accommodate 2 animals each (can
later be swapped for 1 rock cave)
-Also put in 2 small lion climbing rocks from the toys menu (can
later be swapped for 1 large lion climbing rock)
-Lions like rocks so put in 8-10 large rocks from the rocks menu
and 4-5 small rocks.
-For foliage, put in 9-10 umbrella thorn acacia trees.
-All this should give the lion exhibit a rating of 85-90.

When building an exhibit put a path around the entire exhibit,
putting the path at least 3 tiles away from the fence. To enable
guests to see the animals, put a small walkway about 5-6 tiles
long in halfway between the main path and the enclosure, linking
it to the main path with a path tile at each end of the 5-6 tile
walkway. The path on one side of the enclosure should then look
like this:
xxxxxxx
x x
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

This will allow the guests to see the animals and at the same
time keep large crowds a big enough distance away from the
enclosure so that the animals won't feel crowded.

When you start out with your zoo, naturally there will be only a
small number of guests in the beginning, so you will only
require one restroom, one snack machine and one drinks machine
at first. Place the snack and drinks machines near the small
walkways where guests will view the animals for maximum profit,
and locate the restroom on one of the corners of the main path.
Guests will need somewhere to rest so place a bench beside each
viewing walkway.

Profits will be small in the beginning, but should cover the
cost of minimum monthly zoo marketing (200) and giving research
and conservation minimum daily funding (13) each, and you should
still have a small profit. Try to research animal shelters and
employee training first, as these will be of most benefit early
in the game, you can research endangered animals later when you
have everything that's needed to build an exhibit for them.

Using these guidelines should help give you the basis to build
an efficiently functioning zoo, and to avoid losing money early
in the game. Happy zookeeping!

Cub.

Submitted By: Silent Thunder
Zoo Tycoon Animal Walkthrough

By Silent Thunder

A walkthrough that will hopefully teach and show you every single thing you need to know about all the animals in the game. I will go through what they need for a perfect living environment. Also I have put the animals in their specialist groups (e.g. grass) and in alphabetical order for an easier read. I hope it helps you become the perfect Zoo Tycoon!


Coniferous Animals:

Grey Wolf – Like all types of wolves on the game they like to be in very large groups or packs. Their cage should have quite a bit of foliage, coniferous trees, shrubs and bushes. This provides an area where they can get privacy away from the guests and bring up their cubs; a rock cave will be ideal for them as well. But also they should have a large area with elevated land and it should also be open so they can be seen by guests and also play in this area. Another final key feature that you should include is rocks; they will like to play in them as well as making the exhibit attractive.

Grizzly Bear – They need a large area of space, not as large as the wolves, but suitable for a large bear. Usually they will prefer solitary exhibits with lots of hiding places such as caves, rocks and trees. But if the bear is really happy, they will be willing to share with another bear. Tip: Their favourite tree is the Pine. Also they need a healthy diet of fish and a strong fresh water supply to keep them happy.

Siberian Tiger – Another animal that prefers a solitary exhibit. They will need to be extremely happy with their home before they will share with a mate. They also like hiding places with a fresh water supply where they can swim and drink. When building their cage you should remember to only allow the guests to see part of it, if the Tiger is totally surrounded it will become very unhappy, in turn making your guests unhappy. Tip: Don’t put this cage near any others or it will become unhappy with its neighbours. The tiger will need a strong iron fence or it will escape, especially if it’s unhappy.


Deciduous Animals:

Black Bear – The black bear isn’t as big as the Asian black bear, but still needs a large exhibit. This animal is quite willing to share its exhibit with a mate and will often breed quite quickly. The bear will need large amounts of foliage and a fresh water supply. If your bears do breed, make sure there are more then one cave or it will be over crowded. This type of bear needs elevated land to roam on. They will need a strong fence to keep it in, but this bear should be trusted.

Moose – A fascinating animal that the guests will love. You should be able to easily afford such an animal as it can live with a reasonably strong fence for less money and wont attempt to escape. I would suggest starting off with just a pair of these animals and let them breed so it saves money. They will breed very quickly in the right environment, which should include two large stables or shacks, dense trees and a supply of fresh water. Quite a simple animal to look after.


Grey Stone Animals:

American Bighorn – Another fascinating animal that will attract guests. This animal is expensive though, as it needs a lot of elevated land and an extremely large exhibit for a large group of animals. This animal needs a lot of company and this shouldn’t be forgotten. They like large and small rocks mixed in with a few mountain shrubs and a fresh water stream. Their exhibit should include a shack, especially designed for this animal.

Asian Black Bear – Slightly larger then the black bear and so needs a bit more space. This bear enjoys more elevation in its exhibit and water to swim in. Again it needs quite a bit of foliage for privacy. Tall trees always offer the most privacy for the animals as they hide a lot of the exhibit away from the guests. Like the black bear it should live in rock caves. A strong fence should be used with this animal. It isn’t a shy animal and so should attract guests.

Giant Panda – An endangered species and this means if you can breed it you get an award for your zoo and more funding programs. It will require a large elevated exhibit with a lot of bamboo and other shrubs. There is a specially designed cave for this animal and should always be used. As this animal is quite a climber I would recommend a strong sturdy fence. This animal also enjoys company and many rocks scattered around its exhibits mixed in with rock plants and shrubs.

Llama – A favourite animal of mine and will definitely attract the guests in. Although it appears quite sluggish at first it isn’t. If you watch this animal for a while you will soon find out that enjoys running around chasing another llama. It requires a medium sized exhibit and a lot of elevated land with many shrubs around. A fresh water supply will be ideal, but it doesn’t require a large water source in its exhibit. If these conditions are met it will breed quickly. The llama should like a stable for large hoofed animals for six.

Snow Leopard – Another endangered species, so again if you can successfully breed this animal you will increase the funding to your zoo. It is a hard animal to tame and can be extremely fussy. It’s likely to be always slightly unhappy. Hopefully with my help I can guide you through it to make a perfect, happy animal. One: You will need the exhibit perfect, remember elevation, not too much, not too little. Perfect foliage, rocks and land types, such as water. Two: Have only one side of the Leopard’s exhibit actually shown to the guests or the animal will become distressed. Unfortunately this animal enjoys a single life, which makes it very difficult to breed the animal. But making this animal really happy will then make it want a companion. The leopard enjoys a rock cave with a shrub surrounding.


Grass Animal:

American Bison – This animal will require one of the biggest exhibits with a whole field of grass needed for breeding and running space. This animal must be kept in large groups with a large supply of fresh water and some dirt around the water for a mud bath. The exhibit will look quite plain and empty, but that means you are doing the best job; the animal likes a wide area to run about in with little foliage. A chain link fence should be suitable for the bison. It should be sleeping in a large hoofed animal’s stable or shack.


Rainforest Animals:

Asian Elephant – Not as lively as the African Elephant, but it still enjoys a good toy so don’t leave it bored or it will become unhappy. The elephant will require a large amount of fresh water, some dirt to roll in, a large elephant shelter and quite a bit of foliage to keep itself cool out of the sun. Breeding should be quite easy with this animal, as it is easy to please. A chain link fence should be fine and it isn't a shy animal and will enjoy the guest’s attention.

Bengal Tiger – An extremely hard animal to keep, which will require a lot of money, patience and attention. The tiger enjoys a good swim so allow it a lot of fresh water; often a waterfall will be a good choice. A lot of foliage is required for the animal’s privacy that it needs a lot of. It’s a very shy animal and must be allowed its privacy so only one side of the exhibit should be viewable by the guests. You can easily win an award for the best exhibit design for this animal if you include: a waterfall leading into water, obviously, lots of different species of plants, shrubs and trees, many rocks, a cave and old ruin and statue that the tiger can jump on. With the award will come more funding as well. This animal usually prefers to be alone, but if you get a perfect exhibit there shouldn’t be a problem.

Black Leopard – Another difficult animal to keep, possibly more difficult than the Bengal Tiger. It will prefer to be on its own with only one side of its exhibit next to the guest’s viewing area because it is a shy animal. It will require a lot of foliage, many rocks to lay in the sun on, a fresh water supply, a cave in trees and a especially designed Leopard tree that will be required to be researched. They will need these to be happy. Their cave is very important for privacy reasons. A strong fence will be required, as it is an excellent climber. All leopards will be like this.

Chimpanzee – Another brilliant climber, the top expensive iron fence will be needed to keep this animal in its exhibit. The Chimps will prefer to be in a very large group with a lot of foliage around for climbing and hiding from guests, although they’re not shy they still need privacy. The chimps want to have a good time in their exhibit so give them many toys to play with such include, large chimp bars and small chimp bars.

Clouded Leopard – Like all leopards it is another very hard animal to keep, it will require a lot of attention and funding. It enjoys basking in the sun on rocks and the especially designed Leopard tree where it can lay all day. This animal must have privacy and will require a great amount of foliage to hide. A rock cave will provide an ideal living area for the leopard. It is another solitary animal, but will sometimes like the option of a mate. A waterfall often provides a lot of happiness for the leopard. A strong iron fence will be needed to keep the animal in its exhibit.

Giant Anteater – A great animal to have and to look at. It loves to rummage through the undergrowth, which should have many shrubs and rocks. The anteater lives in underground burrows that have especially designed for such an animal. These animals will breed very quickly and before you know it you will have 10 new anteaters. So make the exhibit quite large and leave some place so you can build more burrows when needed. A lot of foliage should be placed around the exhibit so the anteater can hide from guests and successfully bring up its young. A medium strength fence will be fine for such an animal.

Jaguar – Another animal that has the same attitude as the leopards; a perfectionist. It needs an extreme amount of foliage and rocks for hiding places away from the busy zoo. The Jaguar doesn’t want any other exhibits near by, as it likes to be on its own. A fresh water supply will be needed to keep the big cat healthy and happy. The Jaguar will be more than satisfied with a rock cave that provides shelter. A strong fence again will be needed to keep this big cat in as it’s a brilliant climber and quite strong.

Lowland Gorilla – This gorilla likes elevation and many trees and bushes for hiding from guests. Although the lowland gorilla doesn’t climb trees or the fence it is quite strong and so will require a strong fence. Along with elevation, the lowland gorilla will require a few rocks with a small, tiny water supply. The gorilla also enjoys playing in dirt and so dirt should be provided.

Okapi – A unique animal that is endangered and so again if you breed it, you will get extra funding for your zoo. It is quite easy to breed with a simple living environment. The okapi likes no elevation and lots of shrubs, but no trees. Fresh water will be needed and a good sturdy shelter. A relatively weak fence will be fine with the okapi, as it is always content with its exhibit in the right conditions. The okapi loves company as well, but only one partner to start off with. Before you know it you will have a baby okapi and a reward for your efforts.

White Bengal Tiger – Another endangered species and so, as before, if you breed it you will get an award and extra funding programs. It is not a simple task breeding these animals though as they share the same attitude as the leopards do. They prefer solitary confinement, but can be put together if the living conditions are perfect. You should remember to include a large water source where the tiger can swim. A waterfall will be very appropriate, as will many rocks, trees and ferns. Like most of the big cats they will prefer a rock cave where they can sleep.


Salt Water Animal:

Saltwater Crocodile – The guests will love this animal and so you should have a place in your zoo for it. They quite like to be in large groups of 3-5 where there is a lot of salt water with salt-water plants and weeds growing in the water. One of their favourite types of water plants is the reed, where they can hide and sleep. Also rocks are essential for a perfect exhibit. They don’t need any sort of shelter as they sleep on the dirt banks along side the water. A chain link fence will be ideal for the crocodiles.


Sand Animals:

Dromedary Camel – The camel with only one hump. Try and make their exhibit something special with a lot of sand, a bit of dirt, a few cactuses, other plants and also a few desert rocks spread around the exhibit. Of course they will require a source of fresh water too. With these perfect conditions they should be able to breed quickly and easily. As their exhibit is a desert theme use a nice wooden fence to contain them, the guests and animals will equally like it, boosting their happiness. A wooden shelter (with the theme again) will be ideal.

Gemsbok – This animal enjoys sand dunes and should be provided with some elevation in its exhibit. It also likes the cactuses of the desert, but prefers desert trees, where it can shelter from the sun. A fresh water supply will be needed as will a few desert rocks placed around the exhibit. A simple wooden fence will again be perfect for this animal. The Gemsbok live in relatively large groups and their shelters should be able to cater for them.


Savannah Animals:

African Buffalo – A giant animal that will require one large exhibit. It enjoys running up and down in medium to large herds and so needs a flat long exhibit. This is good for two reasons, one because the animal will be happy and two the guests will enjoy seeing as much as they can of the exhibit. The buffalo will need a large water source or water hole where they can refresh themselves along with a dirt area where they can clean themselves. They enjoy a few scattered trees, but not many. A strong fence will be needed for a strong animal.

African Elephant – One of the liveliness animals in the game and so will require many toys for entertainment. The toy it particularly likes is the Swing log toy. The African elephant will enjoy a fresh water source under the shade of giant trees. Also the elephant will need some dirt and sand to clean itself. Finally you should house the animal in the large elephant shelter, with these conditions the elephant should breed very quickly.

African Warthog – These animals live medium sized groups 2-3 and they live underground in burrows that are especially designed for them. They need a fresh water supply and a dirt and sandpit. Also they like some foliage littered around their exhibit for shade. For a small animal they’re quite fast and so need a large exhibit to run about in. They usually breed easily and quickly with 2-3 young at one time, so be prepared to build more burrows for them.

Black Rhinoceros – A large animal that will require a large amount of space and a strong iron fence to contain it. These animals only like the company of one but will breed quite easily if the conditions are right. Such as a large fresh water source, some dirt and sand, a few scattered rocks and some foliage to keep the sun off their backs. They should have the shelter that is designed for large hoofed animals, then all the conditions should be met and you should have young in no time!

Cheetah – The fastest big cat there is and so ideally will need one of the largest exhibits for running. The cheetah doesn’t mind being in solitary confinement, but prefers to have one mate to breed and live with. This big cat likes to have rocks to hide amongst and to jump on, also it likes some foliage away from the sun and also to hide in with its young. With a water source the exhibit should be complete and so the cheetah should breed, usually giving birth to one or two cubs at a time.

Common Wildebeest – Another large animal that will require a large exhibit with a medium strength fence. In its exhibit there should be a water hole for refreshment, some trees for a place to lay a cool down and some dirt where they can role in to keep themselves clean. A large hoofed shelter will be ideal for them. They like to be in very large groups so you will need a few shelters; especially when they start to breed.

Giraffe – The long necked wonder at your zoo, the guests will love this animal and so you should own one! As it is a large animal, obviously, you will need a large giraffe shelter. Also you will need trees to keep the giraffe entertained. A few ground grasses or shrubs should also be placed in, but not too many. They like to be in pairs and can’t be separated. With the ideal environment for the giraffe they should easily breed.

Greater Flamingo – This animal needs to be giant flocks so provide it with a large another exhibit to cater for it. It also needs a great deal of water to stand in, also it enjoys some sand and dirt around the edges to dig and route around in. The Flamingo must be put in with the Hippos, if it isn’t it will become unhappy, as will the hippos. It’s a difficult job to make both happy at the same time, but it is possible. They basically like the same environment anyway. The flamingo also likes some savannah grass. A last point is that a shelter is not needed for the flamingo and will roost in the sand (this is also where it will bring up its young).

Hippopotamus – The hippo also needs a great deal of space, mainly filled with water. This large animal also doesn’t require any shelter and will be quite happy to sleep on the banks of the water. The hippo only likes one companion to mate with but will need some flamingos in its exhibit to make it very happy. When it is happy the hippopotamus will breed usually only one baby at a time though.

Leopard – A difficult animal to look after, like all the leopards in the game. A leopard tree will be ideal for the animal, as that is all wants for ideal entertainment. As a leopard one of its main priorities is to lay around in the sun or under trees, so make sure you provide lots of trees. You should also provide some rocks and some tall savannah grass for privacy reasons. Like all the leopards I would recommend having only one side of their exhibit near to guests, otherwise they will be unhappy. A strong fence is highly recommended, as it is a strong climber.

Lion – The lions like to be in large exhibits where they can run about and play. They like large, flat areas with lots of rocks scattered about. Under the toy section you should see ‘Lion Rock’ this is especially designed for the lions and if you buy one it will increase their happiness. Also they like shade under the thorn tree and finally for a perfect exhibit they require a source of fresh water. Usually the lions will want to be put in large groups, this will allow breeding to take place quickly. A chain link fence should be fine with these animals, as they don’t really want to get out when they’re happy.

Ostrich – The second bird on the game and what a bird it is! If it is running around it’s sticking its head under ground in sand! A truly great bird that will get the visitor’s attention. They prefer to live in large flocks and they live in the shelter for small hoofed animals. The ostrich needs a lot of sand, dirt and also savannah grass and other foliage. A small amount of fresh water is also needed in the exhibit. When all these qualities are met the bird will happily breed, producing about an average of two young each time. Any medium strength fence will be appropriate, but remember to let the guests see the animal!

Plain Zebra – The traditional animal that you start off with at the beginning of every scenario before other animals become available. It is a good animal to start off with as it is quite easy to breed and keep happy and in turn keep the guests happy. The Zebra likes a simple exhibit with a lot of savannah grass with a few trees. Also the zebra enjoys the dirt and sand placed around a water hole. This animal has to be kept in a large group or otherwise it will become insecure, leading to unhappiness. The shelter you should use is the large hoofed shelter for six animals. After the conditions are met they will breed. Any medium strength fence will do. I recommend the sturdy wooden one, which was used with the camels as well.

Red Kangaroo – The guests will love this unique animal that jumps and hops around its exhibit. The kangaroo requires quite a bit of room to move around. Remember it doesn’t like elevated ground so keep it flat. The kangaroo enjoys leaping through savannah grass and the occasional rock that you should place around. This animal likes the small hoofed animal shelter and also likes a play in the dirt and sand, so include these too. A strong fence will be needed so the kangaroo can’t jump out of the exhibit.

Spotted Hyena – A dog like animal that likes to live in large packs about 3-6 hyenas should be efficient. The exhibit should be relatively big with a lot of rocks and few bits of foliage, which includes the savannah grasses and the thorn tree. This is another animal that will require some dirt, sand and water to make it happy enough to breed. Usually they have about 2-4 young at one time so be prepared to build more shelters. The shelters they use are the small hoofed animal shelters.

Thomson's Gazelle – This animal likes the company of other bigger animals that like the same environment in its exhibit. Such animals include the Zebra. Like the zebra it is quite an easy animal to look after and breed. It require exactly the same exhibit as the zebra and that’s why they can be put together quite happily. They will even share the same shelters as the zebras!


Snow Animals:

Arctic Wolf – Like the other wolves they require a large amount of space and quite a bit of elevation. They must live in very large packs so they feel more secure. They live in the snow caves and like to have many different kinds of rocks around their exhibit along with snow plants and shrubs. Also they do like to have quite a bit of water to keep them refreshed. I would recommend the concrete fence for two reasons, One: it’s strong and ideal for a powerful animal like the wolf and Two: it will fit nicely in with the theme of white snow in the exhibit and so will attract the guests more.

Emperor Penguin – A great addition to your zoo. It requires a large amount of water where it can swim and catch the fish the zookeeper throws, a lesser amount of snow where it can rest and also a shelter where it can rest. The penguins prefer the snow caves with many rocks every where in its exhibit. Note: the penguin doesn’t want any foliage in its exhibit. Remember: When creating the exhibit, don’t block the gate into the exhibit with rocks or caves or water even or the zookeeper can’t access it.

Polar Bear – The large animal that will require a large exhibit. The polar bear likes a lot of water to swim in and an equal amount of snow roam around on. The bear must have a lot of rocks to boost the happiness of the animal. This is another animal that uses the snow caves as shelter. With these ideal conditions the polar bear should breed, producing about one offspring each time. I would recommend a strong fence as you are dealing with a strong animal.


Well that is every single animal in Zoo Tycoon, I hope this walkthrough has been very informative and has provided all the information you need for a successful ownership of any animal in the game. :-)

By Silent Thunder

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