Planet Zoo is an immersive and detailed simulation game that allows players to create and manage their own zoos. While the game features an expansive and complex building system that unlocks the creative potential of its players, its main draw will always be the animals themselves.
As the game is constantly updated with free editions and a plethora of DLC packs, Planet Zoo is now home to over 150 different species and counting. Though this is already a lot, the sheer breadth of the natural world means that fans always have new animals to look forward to with future DLC.
7 Orca
- Frozen Planet II
Orcas or Orcinus orca are among the most popular animals in the world, but they are yet to feature in Planet Zoo. As there aren't many tools for creating suitable habitats for large marine creatures, this is a species that would be best introduced alongside said tools, and developers Frontier would have to think outside the box.
If done correctly, however, they could turn into one of the most rewarding species for players to care for. What's more, their guests would certainly be happy to watch and learn about these magnificent creatures.
6 Ants
- The Wonder of Animals
Not all species have to be big in Planet Zoo, or in real Zoos, for that matter, and one type of animal that makes up for their size in numbers and ingenuity is ants. Ants are one of the most numerous types of animal and play an important role in biodiversity.
The developers would have plenty of interesting ant species to choose from for their latest exhibit animal, for example, Giant Amazonian Ants would offer guests a chance to see the biggest ants on earth. Similarly to the Sacred Scarab Beetles in the game with their dung balls, Leafcutter Ants would also be fun to watch marching around their exhibit carrying leaves.
5 African Crested Porcupine
- Serengeti
Currently, there aren't any species of Porcupine in the game. As one of the largest rodents on the planet, the African Crested Porcupine Hystrix cristata, would be the perfect addition to Planet Zoo.
With fantastically large and sharp quills that can be raised into a crest, they have plenty of protection against would-be predators. As mostly nocturnal creatures, players could try to create habitats that suit their inhabitants while giving guests creative inside views.
4 Bald Eagle
- Alaska: Earth's Frozen Kingdom
The Bald Eagle or Haliaeetus leucocephalus is one of the most iconic birds of prey, an animal group that is noticeably absent from Planet Zoo. With its recognizable plumage of a white feathered head and golden beak, constructed against brown feathers, the Bald Eagle is a truly magnificent creature to observe.
If Frontier is able to incorporate birds of prey into the game in an innovative way, then the Bald Eagle would make the perfect flagship species. Furthermore, it would provide players with an extra species from North America, a region which only a few animals are from in the game.
3 Petting Zoo Animals
Educating guests is one of the responsibilities of zoos and that is no different in Planet Zoo. While interactive education stations have been introduced to the game to help educate the younger guests, nothing would be better than the option to create a petting zoo with farmyard animals.
Petting zoos provide guests with a more hands-on experience and usually feature small domesticated animals such as rabbits, goats, ponies, sheep, and pigs. Though these are far from exotic animals, they have been in high demand by the Planet Zoo community for some time now, as they would round out the content and allow players to create the complete zoo experience.
2 Musk Ox
- Frozen Planet II
Musk Oxen or Ovibos moschatus are a beautiful species of bovine native to the Arctic. Their incredibly thick coats contrast stunningly with stocking-like white legs, while their name derives from the strong odor they emit.
As Musk Oxen are particularly hard to breed in captivity, they would make for one of the more rewarding species in the game, especially for procuring animals with the best genes. Because they prefer larger social groups, players would also need to make large, but beautiful tundra habitats for them.
1 Honey Badger
- Dynasties
Though the European Badger was added to Planet Zoo with the Europe Pack DLC, the Honey Badger would make for an even more interesting addition. The Honey Badger or Mellivora capensis may sound like a friendly relative of more common badgers, but it is actually one of the most ferocious animals on the planet.
Found across Africa, Southwest Asia, and India, these omnivores have been known to provoke even the biggest of predators such as lions. They have extremely thick skin which protects them as they raid beehives for honey and larvae. They are also notorious escape artists in captivity, meaning they would provide a fresh challenge for even the most experienced players.
Planet Zoo is available on PC.