Open to interpretation .. but yes at least 3 islands in a real island chain, with each island having at least 1 habitat and the animals in those habitats should be on the islands they would be living on.
The Zoolympic Games
- Thread starter Villanelle
- Start date
3 or more islands. Basically a mini replica of an island nation or collection of islands, like Malaysia, Japan, the Pacific Islands etc.
If the parameters feel too challenging or restricting for this one, let me know! We can change it if everyone prefers a looser theme.
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whistles discretely That wasn't my idea at all rofl.
I was thinking maybe a slight rewording .. at least 3 islands, at least 3 habitats. It allows for some flexibility if you are working with a gazillion islands ( exaggerating slightly there's only a few thousand but I'm only aiming to do a few of them ) or if you just want to do 3 islands and 3 habitats - 1 each rofl. But I can work around things for the challenge and add the others for the rest of my world zoo section, if I'm the only one hitting an issue rofl.
Which part?
that's a good suggestion. Done.
@Marvinb @KönigDerKaffeebohnen wording slightly changed in the bullets so its a bit more flexible...does that help?
Rofl .. part of my research .. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunda_Islands
I wanted to add to my World Zoo without it affecting the one I had already started rofl.
Oh haha. Nice!
Personally id say that i strongly prefer the looser prompt of a section themed around an island (chain), as that would leave much more creative freedom and possibilitys then 3 island habitats themed around an island chain with 3 different animals, as that would disqualify many of the more interesting islands like japan, island, madagascar, sri lanka, galapagos, etc and shrink the available ones down to Indonesia, Uk and the extend you want to call Oceanian islands a chain.
But thats just my personal preference, as i enjoy looser prompts that allow for easier integration into preexisting zoos and i just perhaps am currently building an indonesia area, madagascar house and having the very easy possibility to increase my japanese macaques to a little japan themed area with cranes and fallow deer as a stand in for sika deer, with none of these 3 qualifying under current requiements, but thats a me thing.
Anyways thats just my 2 cents on it and totally see the value of the more specific prompt, but i personally enjoy the higher variety in builds coming with the looser ones
But thats just my personal preference, as i enjoy looser prompts that allow for easier integration into preexisting zoos and i just perhaps am currently building an indonesia area, madagascar house and having the very easy possibility to increase my japanese macaques to a little japan themed area with cranes and fallow deer as a stand in for sika deer, with none of these 3 qualifying under current requiements, but thats a me thing.
Anyways thats just my 2 cents on it and totally see the value of the more specific prompt, but i personally enjoy the higher variety in builds coming with the looser ones
You have New Zealand, 2 main islands there, and a few smaller ones nearby. Granted its usefulness would depend on how many Planet Zoo Animals ( or their modded versions or subspecies brethren) can be found there.
And then throw in nearby Australia, Tasmania and Papua New Guinea to add to the animal arsenal.
You also have Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico island chain, but again, it would depend on if there are any animals there that can be found on Planet Zoo.
And for the colder weather animals you might be able to use the north east islands off of Canada.
Europe has Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica for that mediteranean option if any of the zoo animals can be found there. As well as the Greek/Turkish islands.
Arctic Russia has a few islands off of its north coast that could be ideas. https://tourism.arctic-russia.ru/en...ge-following-a-dream-at-the-end-of-the-world/
But the Sunda Islands are currently the best choice, but then thats the one I have mainly researched.
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While we wait for Vilanelle to read this ..
The subspecies part may help for those animals that are on the islands you choose that Planet Zoo has a different subspecies installed. As you mention, fallow deer instead of Sika deer would fit those requirements if I understand this part.
- The animals must be from the islands they live on (but mods and subspecies swaps are allowed, i.e. the red fox can be used to represent the ezo fox for example).
Oh, wow! Congratulations Hugo! Beautiful sifaka habitat and amazing entry!The results are in!
A quick note to say: I am disqualifying myself from this round and opting out of all future rounds. Halfway through this round I realised it's not fair for me to participate for reasons mentioned elsewhere. I will say I did not win but thank you all so much for your lovely comments and generous scores!
I'm very happy to continue on as your host and judge!
Big thanks to everyone for scoring and for providing so much feedback this round! I know it will be appreciated
The Winner is...
@Hugo98 's Sifaka Habitat
Congratulations Hugo! Truly an architectural masterpiece.
View attachment 407405
Feedback comments:
I love the realism here! Lovely looking build, i especally adore the 3. picture with the view into that great outdoor area with the mesh on top, but the level of detail is overall spectacular and i like the attention to detail of an backstage holding. Only nitpick is that the actual building could be a little more detailed, especally the viewing area would have benefitted from an info sign or something, but overall great 10/10 build, just the level of detail in the outside and interior habitat and the surrounding foliage come close to looking like pictures from an actual zoo. Just absolutly amazing and stunning work! Wow, this is so realistic and well done! Beautiful! Love it, especially that mesh roof Round aviary building: LOVE. Secretive viewing area: LOVE. Backstage area with climbing: LOVE. Custom planters: LOVE. Okay architect, this is truly great. Love the story in the intro as well! Totally feels like something you could see at a zoo! Only vertical climbing is a really smart idea to prevent them from doing their inaccurate climbing defo goning to steal that Great! This is exactly how I imagine a Sifaka habitat. The aviary looks fantastic.
The Runner-Ups
1st Runner up: @KönigDerKaffeebohnen 's Tortoise House
View attachment 407407
Feedback comments:
Great stuff It's nice that you didn't go too big and focused more on all the details. Less is more. This is me This one has everything, lovely viewing areas, perfect backstage, all the little details. Outdoor area, indoor area and corresponding little exhibits. And custom signs too. This is perfect Great build Okay, this is gorgeous. I'm taking notes - what a great idea to use the arctic beams along with the stained wood like that, it looks so great and so realistic! The custom drawers and storage areas are so cute. This build shows patience, skill and excellent self-control (something I lack!) Love that you kept the keeper areas in mind! I love the habitat! I have absolutely no complaints about it. That's exactly how I would imagine it. Well done! Such a great little building! Love the details, especially in the backstage area.
2nd Runner up and also Best Zookeeper Award for highest animal welfare goes to...
@Annie_konik 's Pallas Cat Habitat
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Feedback comments:
This is really good Gorgeous!! I think my favourite part is the green roof - your colourful foliage choices look so good in the tundra snow. I also really love the multilayered climbing and shelter for the cat, looks great and like a lot of fun for it to explore. Props on getting 100% welfare in Franchise! Your vets have been busy researching Cute view from the horse paddock - what else are you going to put on that snowy mountain? Eyeballs emoji
Really great usage of space due to the cats being able to use the roof as extra space! I love the enclosure. Really well done! I like the Himalaya setting (20x better than mine). I especially like this mossy roof. I have a weakness for things that look old and a bit moldy. In a positive sense, of course! Nice and spacious area, love the elevations in the habitat. I would have loved a more detailed view into the shelter and backstage area.
Speediest Build goes to...
@FlameWizard492 's Sifaka Habitat which took them only 3 hours!
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Feedback comments:
The build looks like it got some nice idears but just needed a bit more time in the oven with extra detailing and a few more screenshots to see more of it. For example im not sure if im looking at a bit of decoration in the indoor viewing area with the view being the glass windows in the back of the screen or if its actually part of the indoor habitat with the view towards the guest viewing. Overall the build lacks the level of detail most of the other submissions had so it would be unfair to rate it higher compared to the others Beautiful building! And yay for sifakas! They look really happy in their home! Love it Great architectural work! I really like the details you've added, like the murals on the interior wall, and the column work. Nice placement of foliage too, quite natural. Something I would suggest you try next time is a more complicated shape, no squares and maybe try a build that doesn't have so much symmetry - it can have surprising results! Love the classic and grand vibe, very fitting for a sifaka Great idea to build an indoor and outdoor enclosure for the sifakas. The aviary looks great! Tip for the future: Try to get a little more structure into the enclosure, spam around with plants and stones, mix the ground textures together and try to work a little with uneven terrain. Unfortunately, in some places it looks a little empty. For that, you get an A+ from me for the climbing structures. A nice spacious palace for a special animal
Fan Favourite
This round goes to @Fini because people loved the story you told with the little lost Pallas cat! People struggled to know how to score it but loved the creative concept and touching story!
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I have no clue how to rank this, great stuff fini What a sweet little story! However, that may come at the cost of animal welfare. Build looks great, just kinda hard to rate due to how different it is. Defenetly a creative idear though and not only does the street look amazing but also the presentation as a little story is a really cute idear So creative, OMG I love it! Such a cute little story! And I love all the little details. Amazing! I dont know how to rate this, it is such a unique idea, good stuff Love the Harry Potter theme Most original award goes to...Fini! This is amazing. I love your storytelling! All beautifully executed too. This one was the most fun to look at and score! Such a creative idea! Definitely the most unique entry, very creative!
Honorable mentions go to...
@Mr-Hyrax 2 's Tortoise and Dik Dik Habitat
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Feedback comments:
Very beautiful! Nice build, i especally like the layout and the natural barriers used to contain the animals I love it! it looks like the animals feel great and everything is just so well done Thumbs up for the custom barrier use. Great rockwork. Love the foliage dripping down the cave entrance. It's cute, I like it! I wasn't sure which animal was the "favourite". Lovely mix I really like how realistic it looks and I also really like the rock work I really like how much space they have. Lovely combination as well.
@Xrystal 's Prancing in Madagascar
View attachment 407415
Its a nice idear to make these long straights for the hopping animations, but sadly especally when compared to the other builds the lower level of detailing makes it hard to give high ratings though. It looks like a decent idear that would have just needed a bit more time in the oven with things like detailing, climbing frames, etc. Im also not the biggest fan of the barrier as its rather clunky looking and gives a not so great backdrop, but defenetly credit for making one in the first place, thats a great step in the right direction and im sure future ones will turn out better! Very creative, such a cool idea to make a habitat shaped like that. And the animals look very happy! Love the concept, good job Wow, what an original design! I love that you designed a custom wall for such an interesting shaped barrier. Good foliage work, I like that you have areas with more open space and other areas that are more densely jungly and layered. I think one thing that would help your building improve is look at the edges, like where the fence meets the ground. Soften it with pebblies, buried shrubs and trees so the lines are not so harsh. I really think this is great though and you're getting better and better! Super interesting shape! I think it's a pretty smart idea to make the path in the shape of a lemur. Personally, I would probably have made the enclosure in the shape of a lemur so that it doesn't end up being too big for the smaller lemurs. Totally interesting shape, I don't think I would have ever come up with such an idea. Keep it up!
And @Frogstrich 's Early Mammal Hall
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Good job It would have been nice to have more pictures of the build itself then the animals, making it kinda tricky to rate this one. The tunnel in one of the sifaka pics is very cool though! Very cool! I love how much space they all have and all the lush vegetation. Very pretty color scheme too Good job Love the idea for this build. Great foliage. Brilliant photographs! I thought a few architectural details would elevate this to the next level: the mesh run could look better with a frame around it; the orange walls could be broken up with another texture and colour. Credit for the custom signs and interesting shaped windows. I want to know what the interesting sign at the back says! The overpass is such a cool idea! I think the idea of the connecting tunnels and the implementation is really successful. A little more attention could be paid to the statics in the future, as a small tip. The tunnels, for example, don't work like that.Wire mesh needs support to keep its shape. Unusual but very cool concept, would have never thought about sth like this. I like the cohesive desing of the habitats to make it appear as one large complex.
Full Results Table:
View attachment 407417
Also big congratulations for the 2nd place to Konig! I loved this project a lot
Of course, I also loved the story of the little cat by Fini
Adorable and so creative! Thanks so much for the 3rd place! I feel touched by the kind comments! I never thought I could score this high with this relatively small, simple, and mute-colored habitat, so I'm very positively surprised
Thanks, everyone! And thanks for your patience because I submitted my entry so late. I realize that I could have provided more photos of the indoor area and backstage. Good tip, I will know for the next time!
Cheers!
I'm sorry about the double post!
The Island Chain theme looks very interesting! I'll try to sketch some ideas already
As for the three questions, here are my votes:
1. YES
2. YES
3. NO
Ohhh!The results are in!
A quick note to say: I am disqualifying myself from this round and opting out of all future rounds. Halfway through this round I realised it's not fair for me to participate for reasons mentioned elsewhere. I will say I did not win but thank you all so much for your lovely comments and generous scores!
I'm very happy to continue on as your host and judge!
Big thanks to everyone for scoring and for providing so much feedback this round! I know it will be appreciated
The Winner is...
@Hugo98 's Sifaka Habitat
Congratulations Hugo! Truly an architectural masterpiece.
View attachment 407405
Feedback comments:
I love the realism here! Lovely looking build, i especally adore the 3. picture with the view into that great outdoor area with the mesh on top, but the level of detail is overall spectacular and i like the attention to detail of an backstage holding. Only nitpick is that the actual building could be a little more detailed, especally the viewing area would have benefitted from an info sign or something, but overall great 10/10 build, just the level of detail in the outside and interior habitat and the surrounding foliage come close to looking like pictures from an actual zoo. Just absolutly amazing and stunning work! Wow, this is so realistic and well done! Beautiful! Love it, especially that mesh roof Round aviary building: LOVE. Secretive viewing area: LOVE. Backstage area with climbing: LOVE. Custom planters: LOVE. Okay architect, this is truly great. Love the story in the intro as well! Totally feels like something you could see at a zoo! Only vertical climbing is a really smart idea to prevent them from doing their inaccurate climbing defo goning to steal that Great! This is exactly how I imagine a Sifaka habitat. The aviary looks fantastic.
The Runner-Ups
1st Runner up: @KönigDerKaffeebohnen 's Tortoise House
View attachment 407407
Feedback comments:
Great stuff It's nice that you didn't go too big and focused more on all the details. Less is more. This is me This one has everything, lovely viewing areas, perfect backstage, all the little details. Outdoor area, indoor area and corresponding little exhibits. And custom signs too. This is perfect Great build Okay, this is gorgeous. I'm taking notes - what a great idea to use the arctic beams along with the stained wood like that, it looks so great and so realistic! The custom drawers and storage areas are so cute. This build shows patience, skill and excellent self-control (something I lack!) Love that you kept the keeper areas in mind! I love the habitat! I have absolutely no complaints about it. That's exactly how I would imagine it. Well done! Such a great little building! Love the details, especially in the backstage area.
2nd Runner up and also Best Zookeeper Award for highest animal welfare goes to...
@Annie_konik 's Pallas Cat Habitat
View attachment 407408
Feedback comments:
This is really good Gorgeous!! I think my favourite part is the green roof - your colourful foliage choices look so good in the tundra snow. I also really love the multilayered climbing and shelter for the cat, looks great and like a lot of fun for it to explore. Props on getting 100% welfare in Franchise! Your vets have been busy researching Really great usage of space due to the cats being able to use the roof as extra space! I love the enclosure. Really well done! I like the Himalaya setting (20x better than mine). I especially like this mossy roof. I have a weakness for things that look old and a bit moldy. In a positive sense, of course! Nice and spacious area, love the elevations in the habitat. I would have loved a more detailed view into the shelter and backstage area.
Speediest Build goes to...
@FlameWizard492 's Sifaka Habitat which took them only 3 hours!
View attachment 407409
Feedback comments:
The build looks like it got some nice idears but just needed a bit more time in the oven with extra detailing and a few more screenshots to see more of it. For example im not sure if im looking at a bit of decoration in the indoor viewing area with the view being the glass windows in the back of the screen or if its actually part of the indoor habitat with the view towards the guest viewing. Overall the build lacks the level of detail most of the other submissions had so it would be unfair to rate it higher compared to the others Beautiful building! And yay for sifakas! They look really happy in their home! Love it Great architectural work! I really like the details you've added, like the murals on the interior wall, and the column work. Nice placement of foliage too, quite natural. Something I would suggest you try next time is a more complicated shape, no squares and maybe try a build that doesn't have so much symmetry - it can have surprising results! Love the classic and grand vibe, very fitting for a sifaka Great idea to build an indoor and outdoor enclosure for the sifakas. The aviary looks great! Tip for the future: Try to get a little more structure into the enclosure, spam around with plants and stones, mix the ground textures together and try to work a little with uneven terrain. Unfortunately, in some places it looks a little empty. For that, you get an A+ from me for the climbing structures. A nice spacious palace for a special animal
Fan Favourite
This round goes to @Fini because people loved the story you told with the little lost Pallas cat! People struggled to know how to score it but loved the creative concept and touching story!
View attachment 407411
I have no clue how to rank this, great stuff fini What a sweet little story! However, that may come at the cost of animal welfare. Build looks great, just kinda hard to rate due to how different it is. Defenetly a creative idear though and not only does the street look amazing but also the presentation as a little story is a really cute idear So creative, OMG I love it! Such a cute little story! And I love all the little details. Amazing! I dont know how to rate this, it is such a unique idea, good stuff Love the Harry Potter theme Most original award goes to...Fini! This is amazing. I love your storytelling! All beautifully executed too. This one was the most fun to look at and score! Such a creative idea! Definitely the most unique entry, very creative!
Honorable mentions go to...
@Mr-Hyrax 2 's Tortoise and Dik Dik Habitat
View attachment 407412
Feedback comments:
Very beautiful! Nice build, i especally like the layout and the natural barriers used to contain the animals I love it! it looks like the animals feel great and everything is just so well done Thumbs up for the custom barrier use. Great rockwork. Love the foliage dripping down the cave entrance. It's cute, I like it! I wasn't sure which animal was the "favourite". Lovely mix I really like how realistic it looks and I also really like the rock work I really like how much space they have. Lovely combination as well.
@Xrystal 's Prancing in Madagascar
View attachment 407415
Its a nice idear to make these long straights for the hopping animations, but sadly especally when compared to the other builds the lower level of detailing makes it hard to give high ratings though. It looks like a decent idear that would have just needed a bit more time in the oven with things like detailing, climbing frames, etc. Im also not the biggest fan of the barrier as its rather clunky looking and gives a not so great backdrop, but defenetly credit for making one in the first place, thats a great step in the right direction and im sure future ones will turn out better! Very creative, such a cool idea to make a habitat shaped like that. And the animals look very happy! Love the concept, good job Wow, what an original design! I love that you designed a custom wall for such an interesting shaped barrier. Good foliage work, I like that you have areas with more open space and other areas that are more densely jungly and layered. I think one thing that would help your building improve is look at the edges, like where the fence meets the ground. Soften it with pebblies, buried shrubs and trees so the lines are not so harsh. I really think this is great though and you're getting better and better! Super interesting shape! I think it's a pretty smart idea to make the path in the shape of a lemur. Personally, I would probably have made the enclosure in the shape of a lemur so that it doesn't end up being too big for the smaller lemurs. Totally interesting shape, I don't think I would have ever come up with such an idea. Keep it up!
And @Frogstrich 's Early Mammal Hall
View attachment 407416
Good job It would have been nice to have more pictures of the build itself then the animals, making it kinda tricky to rate this one. The tunnel in one of the sifaka pics is very cool though! Very cool! I love how much space they all have and all the lush vegetation. Very pretty color scheme too Good job Love the idea for this build. Great foliage. Brilliant photographs! I thought a few architectural details would elevate this to the next level: the mesh run could look better with a frame around it; the orange walls could be broken up with another texture and colour. Credit for the custom signs and interesting shaped windows. I want to know what the interesting sign at the back says! The overpass is such a cool idea! I think the idea of the connecting tunnels and the implementation is really successful. A little more attention could be paid to the statics in the future, as a small tip. The tunnels, for example, don't work like that.Wire mesh needs support to keep its shape. Unusual but very cool concept, would have never thought about sth like this. I like the cohesive desing of the habitats to make it appear as one large complex.
Full Results Table:
View attachment 407417
Congratulations to the winners! I'm happy that my favorites are also so high up, you did a really great job!
@Villanelle
I think it's a real shame that you're "not taking part anymore" - your birthday party with Agathe was just too cute.
I'm giving you the party award for that (like in Mario Party, you know) for the best party event!
I'm very happy about the fan fav placement. I didn't expect that because mine is so different from yours. Next time I'll read it properly
thank you very much for the kind words
Link doesn't seem to be working when I tried it just now.
Unfortunately, I don't have time to participate any more now that Christmas is almost here. I still have so much to do, making presents and preparing my own decorations for Christmas and hopefully the wooden enclosure for my new pet will arrive next week so that I can put the enclosure together then. I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be great!
But I will keep an eye on this and at least vote then!
But I will keep an eye on this and at least vote then!
10 days? Sounds like i got a goofy grind ahead of me to make sure my indonesia house will not just be finished, but also have the exterior holdings islefied.
Might be a bit to ambitious (currently in plan are 7 habitat animals, 1 WE, 2-3 Exhibits/Faux exhibits) and running the line of actual island habitats when they are all surrounding one big central building, but hey atleast it would be some good motivation to finish the thing, even if it should get disqualified or something
Might be a bit to ambitious (currently in plan are 7 habitat animals, 1 WE, 2-3 Exhibits/Faux exhibits) and running the line of actual island habitats when they are all surrounding one big central building, but hey atleast it would be some good motivation to finish the thing, even if it should get disqualified or something
Does anyone have a example so I can be 100% sure I am doing it right, doesn't have to be your build just a example
If i understood correctly the prompt is to have 3 island habitats ai. a habitat that uses water as its main border, which are themed around different islands, preferably some that are near each other.
For example you could do an indonesian one with the orang utan for borneo, babirusa for sulawesi and a tiger for sumatra
I've opened it up now so its more open to interpretation due to popular requests.
As long as you have islands and animals, you've got it. Please feel free to interpret it however you like.