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Retro Game Walkthroughs For
"zoo tycoon: dinosaur digs"
(PC Games)

Retro Game Walkthroughs for zoo tycoon: dinosaur digs (PC Games)
Submitted By: Silent Thunder
Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs animal and general information walkthrough

By Silent Thunder

A walkthrough that will hopefully teach and show you every single thing you need to know about all the dinosaurs in the game. I will go through what they need for a perfect living environment. Also I have put the dinosaurs in their specialist groups (e.g. Triassic) and in alphabetical order for an easier read. One final thing I have included is new items that were not in the previous game, as you will need to know about them. I hope it helps!


The Triassic Dinosaurs:

Coelophysis – A giant green coloured dinosaur and was the T-Rex of its time. Not quite as big as the T-Rex but it will still require a large exhibit. As this dinosaur is so big and strong you will need to keep it contained by using the strongest electrified fence, it costs quite a bit, but the guests will love this latest addition to your zoo. For this dinosaur to be happy it will require lots of rainforest terrain and some will need to be slightly elevated. As this dinosaur originates from the rain forest it will require its favourite foliage – the leptocycas tree. Also to make this dinosaur perfectly happy it will need some medium to large rocks and some jungle rock formations. As for breeding this dinosaur is quite a solitary dinosaur, but wont mind sharing with one other dinosaur of its kind, as long as its of the other gender. Like most of the dinosaurs it the Coelophysis will require a source of fresh water and a shelter, a dinosaur burrow will be ideal.

Herrerasaurus – Another strong dinosaur in the game. Not nearly as big as the Coelophysis or T-Rex, but this dinosaur can jump high, run fast and, if it so wants, can be a nasty customer at times. Like the Coelophysis the Herrerasaurus likes to live in rainforest terrain as well as a slight touch of grass, you will need to provide lots of foliage. Again like before this dinosaur’s favourite is the leptocycas tree. Make sure you have plenty of concealment for this dinosaur as it is quite shy in front of the guests and can become quite stressed, leading to an unhappy dinosaur which in turn leads to unhappy guests and a whole lot of other problems. As I mentioned earlier it’s another strong dinosaur and shouldn’t be misjudged by its height, you should have the second toughest fence to make sure it can’t escape by jumping over. Again fresh water will be required, but unlike before there is no need for shelter as this dinosaur will quite happily sleep in amongst the trees.


Jurassic Dinosaurs:

Allosaurus – Quite an odd looking dinosaur with bulging eyes, but none the less it will make a great new attraction at your zoo. The exhibit will need to be big as this dinosaur is medium sized and needs a lot of space to make it happy. The terrain should be mostly rainforest, but quite a bit of grass will be needed to be mixed in as well as some fresh water, which is essential. This is one of the toughest dinosaurs in the game and I mean it. You will need the strongest fence to hold it in – the electrified iron bar fence. This dinosaur doesn’t like huge foliage it wants to be able to see over it all, so I highly recommend the rainforest fern bushes. It will need quite a bit of this scattered around in its exhibit. Also this dinosaur must have lots of rocks, a few won’t do. You should include the normal medium to large rocks, but also try and include jungle rock formations as they make the dinosaur really happy as well as making the exhibit look great in front of the guests. As this dinosaur is quite large it will require one dinosaur cage. Finally, breeding: the Allosaurus is quite a solitary dinosaur, but will often be quite happy to share its exhibit with another Allosaurus of the opposite gender. If all these conditions are perfect then there should be an almost guaranteed birth.

Apatosaurus – Our first dinosaur that isn’t a carnivore. This is a medium sized dinosaur and will require quite a large amount of space in its exhibit. Most of the terrain type should be deciduous, but don’t forget to include some grass, dirt and the essential fresh water terrain as well. This dinosaur has a long neck and so can see over any foliage, the Apatosaurus will need quite a bit of foliage and its favourite type is the magnolia tree. Elevated land is not required but you should definitely include quite a few rocks scattered around the exhibit. As this is one of the largest dinosaurs in the game it will need you to check its exhibit for trample damage, if there is some you will need to patch it up as it makes the dinosaur unhappy. Also this dinosaur does not require any type of shelter. Finally, the breeding, this dinosaur will happily share its exhibit and will successfully breed as long as all the conditions are met perfectly.

Camptosaurus – This small little, kangaroo like dinosaur will require mostly coniferous terrain, but will also need quite a bit of grass terrain. Like all the dinosaurs in the game it will require a supply of fresh water. This dinosaur likes to be able to hide away from the guests at times so it can relax so you will need to things to make this possible and in turn make the dinosaur happy. Number one is lots foliage; the Camptosaurus enjoys the tall walchian conifer tree and you should include quite a bit of it. Number two a shelter for privacy away from the eyes of the guests, this dinosaur will like the dinosaur burrow. Another thing that will make this dinosaur happy is having a few rocks scattered around the exhibit, not too many though and definitely don’t include elevation as it will make the dinosaur unhappy and wont encourage breeding. These dinosaurs will happily breed as long as these conditions are all met, it is best to have one male and one female and no more as it will get crowded.

Caudipteryx – The most colourful dinosaur in the entire game and one of the smallest. This dinosaur likes safety in numbers and so you should have something like three males and two females in one exhibit. The exhibits don’t have to be that large at all and they actually prefer a smaller exhibit so they don’t become overwhelmed by the size this will then probably lead to unhappiness. One thing you must remember with large groups of dinosaurs is that if one of them is unhappy then in will inflict on the others as well, so it’s best to sort out individual problems to stop the group problems. The terrain that the Caudipteryx like is the rainforest with a small bit of grass. Don’t forget the fresh water as well as this is vital to the dinosaurs. This dinosaur needs a lot of foliage and its favourite is the thouarsus cycad tree, they should be spread evenly around the exhibit. It will also want a slight elevation and rocks will be needed to make the dinosaur happier and so include medium and small sized rocks and also jungle rocks formations that will increase the happiness of the dinosaur and brighten up the appearance of the exhibit, which is equally important. Finally is the breeding, breeding should be a huge success with these dinosaurs, if all the conditions are right, as there are a large number of them. One more final thing about the fence, a chain link fence will be ideal as it isn’t the strongest of dinosaurs and certainly wont be able to jump it.

Kentrosaurus – This is a large spiky backed turquoise dinosaur who quite likes to be with two other dinosaurs of the same species, you should have two males and one female, as long as the following conditions are perfect, and I mean perfect they should breed successfully. First of all it must have a large area of space that is mainly filled with coniferous terrain, which also has some medium sized grass areas blended in with some dirt terrain. Also the Kentrosaurus must have a large area of fresh water terrain. This dinosaur likes limited foliage and only wants a few club moss shrubs placed around it exhibit. Also it only wants a few medium sized rocks. Don’t over do either the foliage or the rocks or it will lead to an unhappy dinosaur, which in turn leads to unhappy guests. Another point to remember is that this dinosaur does not require a shelter of any kind and also will not want any sort of elevation in its exhibit as this will also lead to unhappiness. Finally the fence type: a reinforced concrete iron bar fence is ideal for this powerful dinosaur.

Plesiosaurus – The only dinosaur that can swim and live in salty waters, their diet, surprisingly, consist of fish. The exhibit must be large enough so the Plesiosaurus can have a good swim and have rest on a side bank adjacent to the salt-water terrain. As you have already probably guessed most of the terrain in the exhibit will be made up from salt-water terrain. As for the bank this will be made up from a mixture of brown stone and sand, you’ll need slightly more brown stone than sand to make the exhibit perfect for the dinosaur. Like all the dinosaurs it will require some foliage, which may seem odd for water born dinosaurs. But it will need some none the less. Horsetails is what I would highly recommend as these can be placed in the water and around the bank, don’t over do them though as there will be no room for the dinosaur to move otherwise! Also you may also like to include one single bald cypress tree, this can also be placed in the water, then the Plesiosaurus will happily swim around it. Also you will need to include some aquatic rocks this will add the finishing touches to a perfect exhibit. When you reach perfection with their exhibit they will happily breed.

Stegosaurus – Everyone always knows the Stegosaurus and is probably essential for your zoo and its ratings, the guests will love this dinosaur. It will usually prefer solitary confinement as it is so large, but if you make the exhibit large enough for two dinosaurs and get all the following conditions right it will soon happily share with a Stegosaurus of the opposite gender. Although it is not a carnivore it will still require a strong fence, I recommend the reinforced concrete with the glass panels so all the guests still get to see the dinosaur. Now for the conditions, firstly the terrain. It needs mostly coniferous terrain but also needs a lot more variety in it. Both grass and dirt are important to make sure this dinosaur is happy. The final type of terrain is again the fresh water, it is vital. The Stegosaurus also will require quite a bit of foliage scattered around its exhibit; its favourite type is the lepidodendron tree. A few rocks would also be needed if you want to make a perfect exhibit that would allow breeding to take place. Two medium coniferous rocks should do the trick perfectly. Finally shelter and elevation, both are not needed so leave them out entirely. Now you should have the perfect environment for breeding, soon you will have freshly laid eggs.

Cretaceous Dinosaurs:

Ankyylosaurus – Quite an unusual dinosaur because of its large tail with its stump at the end and its many spikes upon its back, but because of this it will rake the guests in. This dinosaur likes to be kept in small groups something like, two males and one female would be ideal. This will encourage breeding, but you’ll also need to get everything else as perfect. The Ankyylosaurus will require a large exhibit and it should be full of savannah terrain mainly, but it also should include a mixture of sand and dirt. Water again is very important as it is in a dry exhibit. Foliage is essential to make the ideal exhibit for breeding; you should include its favourite type the sigillaria tree. It will need quite a bit of this to shade away from the heat of the day. The Ankyylosaurus only wants two rocks maximum and you shouldn’t put anymore in than that otherwise it would lead to unhappiness. Like the Stegosaurus it won’t need any type of shelter or any elevation in its exhibit. Finally as it is a strong, large dinosaur it should have an equally strong fence to match, you can use either of the concrete fences, as they are ideal.

Iguanodon – This dinosaur is a giant and will need plenty of room to move around in, make sure the exhibit is big and make sure the fences are strong enough to contain such a large dinosaur. The concrete iron bar reinforced fence should be ideal for this dinosaur, as will either of the electric fences. The floor of its exhibit will have to be made up of deciduous terrain mainly, but it will also need a slight mix of grass terrain as well. Once again fresh water is very important for a dinosaur that moves around a lot. This dinosaur will need quite a bit of foliage, its favourite being the large and wide magnolia tree. These should be spread out evenly. The Iguanodon will need a few rocks but not many, the rocks should be medium sized and also spread evenly through out the exhibit. No elevation is required for the Iguanodon, but it does need a shelter, the Dino cave is perfect. Finally the breeding, if all the above conditions are met and the dinosaur is happy then it will successfully breed. You should start of with just a male and female and work your way from there.

Lambeosaurus – This dinosaur looks like a larger version of the Camptosaurus as it has the same kangaroo like pose. It is one of the giants in the game and will need a large exhibit to roam in and tall and strong fencing to keep it in its exhibit. The reinforced concrete iron bar fence should be perfect. As it is such a large dinosaur I would start of with just one male and one female in the exhibit and try to get them to breed successfully, rather than buying new eggs. For a successful breeding program you will need a perfect exhibit so you’ll need the following. Firstly the terrain, it will need to be coniferous mainly and will also need a good amount of grass mixed in also. Again water will always need to be included, this time it doesn’t need the largest of fresh water supplies, but it will need some. In the foliage department it will need quite a bit of its favourite tree, the Redwood. Scatter it around the exhibit. It doesn’t need many rocks, but it does need some: include a few medium sized coniferous rocks. Elevation will not be required at all; a shelter won’t need to be included either. Now you should have the perfect exhibit for the Lambeosaurus, they should breed soon.

Spinosaurus – Other than the T-Rex this is the top dinosaur. It’s a large and violent carnivore, but it will make you a rich man or woman if you make it happy as you will make guests come in there hundreds. As it is so powerful and large it will need the toughest fence; the electrified iron bar fence. If you want to breed this scary giant then you will have to get the conditions perfect. Starting with terrain, the exhibit should mostly be filled with coniferous terrain, but you should also include some grass and dirt mixed in with this to create the perfect combination. I have said it for every dinosaur so far and I’ll say it again, you must include fresh water! Now for the foliage, the Spinosaurus wants a lot of this especially its favourite type the Norfolk Island pine tree. Although it doesn’t want any elevation it would like a lot of rocks mixed in with the foliage. As for shelter it will love the large Dino cave, as it is perfect and large enough for the Spinosaurus to breed. Now that the exhibit itself is perfect your male Spinosaurus will need a female mate. After you have bought one they should successfully breed.

Stryracosaurus – This dinosaur is not to be confused with the Triceratops, although it does appear like a smaller version of one. These dinosaurs want to be in large groups something like this will be ideal: three males and two females. This will encourage breeding, but not on its own for breeding you’ll need to get the exhibit perfect, here’s what you’ll need to include. Firstly the terrain, it will mostly be deciduous with a mixture of grass, sand and dirt as well and again fresh water is essential and very important. For cover it will require a lot of foliage of its favourite type: the gingko tree. Make sure there is plenty of it around. As well as foliage it will also need some rocks and plenty of them too. Scatter them around to make the Stryracosaurus happy. Both a shelter and elevation will not be required and the dinosaur will be happy without. Now you should have another perfect exhibit, you should now be able to have a successful breeding program. Finally I’ll mention the fencing, although it is a small dinosaur it still has strong tusks that can break weak fences so use the reinforced concrete to contain the dinosaur.

Tyrannosaurus Rex – It’s what all the guests want to see, so don’t disappoint them! The T-Rex has to be one of the easiest exhibits to make surprisingly. The only bad thing is that it costs so much! But I’ll run through what you will need for the perfect exhibit and possibly breeding. Firstly the terrain it should be mainly grass and grey stone. Also mixed in with that there should be some deciduous terrain and of course you have probably guessed it by now fresh water, just don’t ever forget it, it’s essential for any dinosaur exhibit. The T-Rex likes to see everything and so has the low down broadleaf bush, which can be easily seen over. Also it’s the only dinosaur that walks over and destroys its foliage, you will often have to replace the bush so the T-Rex doesn’t become unhappy. The T-Rex will enjoy many, many rocks, so include lots of them to make it very happy. You should also include quite a bit of elevation, the ‘create hill’ option is the easiest for the T-Rex’s exhibit. Finally the shelter, the large Dino Cave is perfect for this giant. After the exhibit has reached this stage of perfection give your male or female T-Rex a mate, they will then soon breed.

Velociraptor – The final Dinosaur I’ve got to tell you about and what a character to end on, they’re fast, strong and are a fantastic dinosaur that will rake in the guests. They’re quite easy to look after as well, which makes a nice change. Their exhibit floor should be mainly coniferous terrain with a little bit of grass mixed in as well. Again fresh water is very important. For foliage, which is essential for the Raptors, as they need a lot of concealment, you should use their favourite type of tree: the Redwood. The will want a few rocks, but not many so don’t go over the top! These dinosaurs don’t want any elevation whatsoever so keep it flat. Now for the shelters it all depends on how many dinosaurs you have, obviously, the Raptors want to be in quite large groups and so will need quite a few rock caves, which are ideal for them. Everything should now be perfect and the Raptors and guests a like should be happy with this exhibit. If the Raptors are very happy they will breed and have up to three eggs at any one time.


Ice Age Animals:

Wooly Mammoth – Unsurprisingly the Mammoths exhibit should mainly contain snow terrain, but remember to also use both grey and brown stone terrain as well, both are required to make a successful exhibit. Mammoths, although they are quite big, do sometimes need some privacy away from the guest’s eyes so they will need foliage. Their favourite type of foliage should be used mainly and that is the Arctic birch tree. Make sure you include it so the mammoths are happy. The Mammoths quite like some rocks and so you should include a few Arctic ones scattered around the exhibit. For shelter they will require an Ice Age Cave, which is larger enough to home a mammoth. As well as all of that mammoths like slight elevation and this shouldn’t be forgotten, as this will improve their happiness. Finally if you want your mammoths to breed successfully then you’ll have to have all the above perfect otherwise you won’t get far as the animal won’t be happy enough for breeding.

Wooly Rhino – Again unsurprisingly their exhibit should be filled with snow terrain, but once again don’t forget both the brown and grey stone terrain, both very important to make this animal happy in its exhibit. Finally an animal I don’t have to say remember the fresh water as strangely it doesn’t actually require any. As for the foliage department I would recommend their favourite type: the Arctic grass, they like quite a bit of this so spread it around. They also will enjoy many Arctic rocks scattered around their exhibit. The Rhinos also want a bit of elevation around their exhibit to increase their happiness. Breeding will be very easy if the exhibit contains all the above and is perfect. You should start with a medium sized cage that contains only one male and one female and make a successful breeding program.

Saber-toothed Cat – These big cats require a medium sized exhibit with strong fencing that can’t be climbed, the reinforced concrete iron bar fence should be ideal. Unlike the mammoths and rhinos their exhibit should not be filled with snow terrain, instead it should be mostly composed of grey stone and then it should have a mixture of snow and brown stone blended in. This animal will require a fresh water source. The Saber-toothed cat will enjoy the Arctic bush as it can crouch down and play in it; it should be spread around. As should many Arctic rocks for the same purpose. Elevation is essential this time and shouldn’t be left to last as it makes it harder to do. For shelter they will enjoy the snowy rock cave where they can bring up their young if they breed. To ensure a successful exhibit for breeding all the above will need to be in place and perfect, not one detail should be left out. Then their breeding will be perfect and quick.

Giant Tortoise – A simple, but wonderful animal that will have the guests fascinated. They are easily kept happy and should be quite easily bred. Firstly their terrain should be mainly made up of fresh water and a snowy bank that has grey stone mixed in. Like all animals and dinosaurs they will need some foliage and so you should place their favourite, which is Arctic grass, around their exhibit. They will need a few snowy Arctic rocks as well to make them happy enough to breed; these can be placed in the water or on the bank. The giant tortoise doesn’t require any elevation or shelter so these can be both ignored. Finally after you have this perfect exhibit add a male and a female giant tortoise and they should breed soon.


Staff:

Scientists – The only new staff member in your new zoo and without them nothing would ever get done or progress. They have many jobs that I will briefly go through with you, so you know their importance. Firstly their main job is breeding and hatching the dinosaurs from eggs. When you buy an egg you’ll need a scientist to successfully hatch it and look after it through out its life. They will feed the animal and report back to you if anything is wrong with the dinosaur. You can assign different scientists to different exhibits and that will be their main priority in the zoo. As well as this they also do the dirty job of cleaning up the dinosaurs excretion. So I think that proves that they are worth while hiring, I mean you don’t want to be left with a mop and a big pile of poo in front of you do you now?

Tour Guides – You had them in the first game, Zoo Tycoon, and now they have studied hard, learnt about new dinosaur facts and are telling your guests about the dinosaurs. You will often spot your tour guides with many guests gathered around them. They will make your zoo have a much better rating with the guests. Always employ a few at least, as they are good for your zoo.

Maintenance Workers – Again, like the tour guides, they look and act exactly the same as they did in Zoo Tycoon. Here’s a brief run down of what they will do around your zoo once you employ them. They will maintain your paths from litter and any other damage caused by your guests. Any bins you place around your zoo will eventually fill with rubbish and will have to be emptied, that’s job number two. They also have the vital job of fixing any broken fences around your zoo, without this animals would soon escape. And that’s about it. You should definitely employ these people unless you want litter everywhere and dinosaurs running around your zoo!

Research – Research is as important as you make it, if you decide you don’t wish to fund it any more you don’t have to, but take it from me you’ll want to keep researching as it is vital. Researching can unlock new dinosaurs, foliage, rocks and many more things to go in exhibits. But much more important is the fact that you can research new medicines for the T-Rex and other dinosaurs in the zoo. Also you can research new foods that can increase nutrition in the dinosaur’s diet, very important for healthy dinosaurs and happy guests. There are three levels of research, minimum funding, normal funding or maximum funding. Each with its own speeds from slow to normal to fast. Minimum funding being the slowest and maximum funding being the fastest. It really depends on your money.


Fences:

Reinforced Concrete with glass windows – This is one of the many strong fences, but this one is ideal for most exhibits because even though there is strong concrete guests can still see through the useful glass panels, this will increase the happiness amongst your guests. I wouldn’t recommend either of the concrete fences for such large animals as the T-Rex though because after a while the fence will be destroyed, but with an electric fence there is an extra deterrent.

Reinforced Concrete / Iron bar – A very strong fence, one of the strongest. It is ideal for any large dinosaurs or any that have a habit of jumping out of exhibits, such as Velociraptors. It is also quite good for allowing guests to view the dinosaurs inside, which will increase your guest rating of your zoo.

Electrified Chain link – The second strongest electrified fence in the game, but is a lot cheaper than the Iron bar fence below. This fence will be ideal for most medium sized dinosaurs such as the Velociraptor. It will give a shock to anyone who touches it, including guests so make sure the path is one square away from them. If your fence shocks a guest it will be very bad publicity.

Electrified Iron bar – The strongest fence in the game, it’s a very expensive fence so only use it when you really have to, for dinosaurs like the T-Rex and other large, strong dinosaurs. As this is electrified if the dinosaur tries to escape it will give them a shock as will it to guests who get too close.


Dinosaur Recovery Team – Sometimes even the strongest and best fences break occasionally and this could, if not repaired in due time, lead to major problems. Dinosaurs may escape; accidents do happen. If you’ve got a dino’ on the run around your zoo you will need it back in its exhibit as soon as possible. This is why you will need to purchase a Dinosaur Recovery Team (DRT) centre. When a dinosaur escapes the DRT will be straight in the air and at the scene, they will then fire a tranquilliser dart into the dinosaur. The dinosaur will then appear in a crate, allowing you to click it with your cursor and place it make in its exhibit, when the exhibit is fully repaired the dinosaur will come out of its crate. Tip: Build a DRT centre right from the beginning to be prepared.


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

By Silent Thunder

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