What do you expect from an aviary pack?
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For starters that it will happen at the end of the next year 
First I want more mammals that are still very missed.
With birds It’s all about the ballance. There are so many species that pack with at least 20 of them would be acceptable but still won’t exhaust the topic. I’d like species to be mixed.
The perfect pack would contain typical flying birds, some ground birds and one flying fox.
I would love to see birds laying eggs and building nests.
Essential species:
Shoebill, gray crowned crane, Pelican, Argus pheasant, macaw, owl, touraco, bird of paradise, Indian hornbill and toco toucan.
First I want more mammals that are still very missed.
With birds It’s all about the ballance. There are so many species that pack with at least 20 of them would be acceptable but still won’t exhaust the topic. I’d like species to be mixed.
The perfect pack would contain typical flying birds, some ground birds and one flying fox.
I would love to see birds laying eggs and building nests.
Essential species:
Shoebill, gray crowned crane, Pelican, Argus pheasant, macaw, owl, touraco, bird of paradise, Indian hornbill and toco toucan.
I generally agree, but half those species are not aviary species. Are you going for a general bird dlc?For starters that it will happen at the end of the next year
First I want more mammals that are still very missed.
With birds It’s all about the ballance. There are so many species that pack with at least 20 of them would be acceptable but still won’t exhaust the topic. I’d like species to be mixed.
The perfect pack would contain typical flying birds, some ground birds and one flying fox.
I would love to see birds laying eggs and building nests.
Essential species:
Shoebill, gray crowned crane, Pelican, Argus pheasant, macaw, owl, touraco, bird of paradise, Indian hornbill and toco toucan.
I allready presented my selection in the mega thread, but in general the Most important thing for me would be an eagle, owl and parrot.
The 2 Best picks in my opinion for each would be bald and golden eagle, eurasian eagle owl and snowy owl, as well as a macaw and the grey parot.
The 2 Best picks in my opinion for each would be bald and golden eagle, eurasian eagle owl and snowy owl, as well as a macaw and the grey parot.
One of my comments actually brought up something cute that I feel like would be so funny to have! If we do get talking parrots by chance, it'd be really cute to hear them mimic the Zookeepers and talk in the Planco Language, so for example you'd have them squawking but all of a sudden you hear them go "Bahtoiyah!" or whatever the keepers say. If Frontier includes that, it'll automatically make it the best pack yet.
That;s a great suggestion! I also watched your aviary video so I kinda know your expectations from such a pack. Great video btw.
Birds of southern Quebec flashbacks
I'm expecting a solid roster of around eight animals and I think that's enough to get things started. My only other expectation, which I guess is more of an assumption, is that the birds will be similar to the pterosaurs in JWE2 in terms of their capabilities (though I'm not impressed with the way they feed in JWE2, simply landing on the ground next to the feeder and eating like normal dinosaurs).
I'm also not expecting a huge amount of scenery; probably a good few new enrichment items and some more 'smaller' foliage options to fit inside an aviary, and of course animal signs, but not a full building theme.
I'm also not expecting a huge amount of scenery; probably a good few new enrichment items and some more 'smaller' foliage options to fit inside an aviary, and of course animal signs, but not a full building theme.
I think big amount of birds (16-20) would make good pack. Honestly with how limited remaining dlc list is, frontier probably will go all in with bird roster. There wont be more flying bird in future packs. Simply, because people demand also more classic habitat species.
Atleast 12
Parrots: Blue and Yellow Macaw, Hyacinth Macaw, African Gray Parrot, Rainbow Lorikeet
Birds of Prey: Bald Eagle, Andean Condor, Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Eagle Owl
Other: Laughing Kookaburra, Bali Myna, Toco Toucan, Indian Hornbill
I would like to see: Bee-eater, Harpy Eagle, Sociable Weaver, Common Raven, White Cockatoo, Kea
I think it's important to include as many species as possible right out of the gate. The last thing I want is for it to just be a 4 animal pack leaving everyone stuck using the same exact species of eagle, owl, parrot, and toucan (or however they mix it up). I think that in general people would be more forgiving of "clone" species when it comes to birds. If that means multiple parrots and owls that are only superficially different, then I'd be all for it. You rarely see just a single species of them in zoos, at least in my experience. They'd need unique audio in addition to the unique models, but I think the rigging and AI could be reused to great effect. I don't think I expect to get the 20 or so I've seen people suggest all at once, but more than 4 is crucial.
As for specific wants, I think aviaries are a great place to help pick up a bit of the slack some regions are still experiencing with species variety. From my experience, kookaburras, budgies, and lorikeets are far more common in zoos in the US than some of the other popular Oceanian picks that I've never actually seen before, such as the wombat and Tasmanian devil. I mean, ideally we'll end up seeing all of the above, but these aviary birds would do wonders for fleshing out the generally lacking Oceanian representation I'm accustomed to in American zoos. The same can be said for countless South American birds, and of course bald eagles are non-negotiable when it comes to North American sections (although the barn owl and red-tailed hawk aren't far behind). The grey crowned crane has been one of my most wanted species overall for a while now, and while I don't predominately think of them as an aviary species, if that's their ticket in then so be it.
I also think it's really important that you can put non-birds into the aviaries resulting in mixes bird and non-bird habitats. I think that this feature alone would do wonders in making our zoos feel so much more alive, and open countless opportunities for personal touches that you don't really get when 99% of mixed habitats end up being the same few that offer enrichment bonuses.
As for specific wants, I think aviaries are a great place to help pick up a bit of the slack some regions are still experiencing with species variety. From my experience, kookaburras, budgies, and lorikeets are far more common in zoos in the US than some of the other popular Oceanian picks that I've never actually seen before, such as the wombat and Tasmanian devil. I mean, ideally we'll end up seeing all of the above, but these aviary birds would do wonders for fleshing out the generally lacking Oceanian representation I'm accustomed to in American zoos. The same can be said for countless South American birds, and of course bald eagles are non-negotiable when it comes to North American sections (although the barn owl and red-tailed hawk aren't far behind). The grey crowned crane has been one of my most wanted species overall for a while now, and while I don't predominately think of them as an aviary species, if that's their ticket in then so be it.
I also think it's really important that you can put non-birds into the aviaries resulting in mixes bird and non-bird habitats. I think that this feature alone would do wonders in making our zoos feel so much more alive, and open countless opportunities for personal touches that you don't really get when 99% of mixed habitats end up being the same few that offer enrichment bonuses.
good mix of species from a range of biomes and continents.
Required? We’ll, I’d like free-navigation for large birds and, ideally, an exhibit-like system for small ones. As long as I can use some species to make a huge walkthrough aviary
No particular species as long as there’s a good mix.
I’ll accept however many are included in the DLC (not much alternative), I’d expect 8 free-flying species at most, but would love more (though I highly doubt there’ll be more), 20 is not going to happen - people who expect that many will be disappointed.
Not as the first pack.
What features are required? - Customization for aviaries AND ability to house normal habitat animals with them (!! this is so important to me), diverse types of birds, good flightmechanics
What species are essential to you? - None particular, but endangered ones. Spreading awareness of as many as possible.
What is the minimal number of species you accept? - In one pack i dont mind 5. But if thats gonna be the only aviary pack, i would want at least 15, preferably 20.
Would you be okay with a specific theme (e.g. raptors pack)? - Only if there will be more than one pack
What species are essential to you? - None particular, but endangered ones. Spreading awareness of as many as possible.
What is the minimal number of species you accept? - In one pack i dont mind 5. But if thats gonna be the only aviary pack, i would want at least 15, preferably 20.
Would you be okay with a specific theme (e.g. raptors pack)? - Only if there will be more than one pack
What would make a good pack?
Something different. We did the 8 animal dlc. And the 4 animals + scenery dlc's already. Now I think it's time to break the mold. Surprise your fanbase and do something different...
Maybe add Rhea, Kiwi and Emu (or add some other missing terrestrial birds) like Cranes, Storks, Herons Pheasants and water fowl (pelican, duck, swan).
Free flying is obviously a must since apparently it is in JWE2. We have diving and burrowing in Planet Zoo...free flying seems like a logical next step. I also think egg laying is an essential feature for creating realism. And I would like some pre fab aviaries, something realisitic I can use in my zoos since I'm not creative lol.
In terms of essential species, we need parrots (such as macaws, toucans, cockatoos etc) AND raptors (bald eagle, golden eagle, condor, lammergeier) those are must haves as far as I'm concerned (but the species are up to frontier). We also need bats (either vampire bats or flying fox).
Finally, I would say an aviary pack HAS to offer the most animal species compared to other dlc's
Ex: at least 12 species (since only 2 birds per continents is still pretty lackluster).
Example:
Something different. We did the 8 animal dlc. And the 4 animals + scenery dlc's already. Now I think it's time to break the mold. Surprise your fanbase and do something different...
Maybe add Rhea, Kiwi and Emu (or add some other missing terrestrial birds) like Cranes, Storks, Herons Pheasants and water fowl (pelican, duck, swan).
Free flying is obviously a must since apparently it is in JWE2. We have diving and burrowing in Planet Zoo...free flying seems like a logical next step. I also think egg laying is an essential feature for creating realism. And I would like some pre fab aviaries, something realisitic I can use in my zoos since I'm not creative lol.
In terms of essential species, we need parrots (such as macaws, toucans, cockatoos etc) AND raptors (bald eagle, golden eagle, condor, lammergeier) those are must haves as far as I'm concerned (but the species are up to frontier). We also need bats (either vampire bats or flying fox).
Finally, I would say an aviary pack HAS to offer the most animal species compared to other dlc's
Ex: at least 12 species (since only 2 birds per continents is still pretty lackluster).
Example:
- Macaw
- Toucan
- Bald Eagle
- Golden Eagle
- Lammergeier
- Hornbill
- Cockatoo
- Kookaburra
- Scarlet Ibis
- Rhea
- Kiwi
- Emu
- Japanese Red Crowned Crane
- Great Blue Heron
- Secretary Bird
- Gray Crowned Crane
- Golden Pheasant
- Black Swan
- Mandarin Duck
- White Pelican
- Flying Fox
- Vampire Bat
Expecting or wanting? I'm wanting at least 12 and maybe up to 20 birds. I'm expecting we'll get the lower end of that, if not just 8 birds. 4 is absolutely unacceptable and 8 is also disappointing, so I really do hope it's at least a dozen. That's the lower end of the "happy" number for me.
We're going to need some habitat building materials, but I'm not sure if we need much in the way of architectural building items, aside from statues and signs relating to the species introduced.
Species that are absolutely essential to me are the Bald Eagle, Toco Toucan and at least one Macaw. Hoping for things like Pelicans, Hornbills, and wading birds like Cranes, Ibises and Storks as well. Every continent outside of Antarctica has birds that should be represented, but I understand if it does skew towards Africa and South America.
We're going to need some habitat building materials, but I'm not sure if we need much in the way of architectural building items, aside from statues and signs relating to the species introduced.
Species that are absolutely essential to me are the Bald Eagle, Toco Toucan and at least one Macaw. Hoping for things like Pelicans, Hornbills, and wading birds like Cranes, Ibises and Storks as well. Every continent outside of Antarctica has birds that should be represented, but I understand if it does skew towards Africa and South America.
Well from the other aviary speculation thread:
*And yes I know why this is. Most normal people buy Planet Zoo for lions and elephants, and the charismatic megafauna are also the ones who sell zoo tickets in real life. Nerds like me who prefer birds and reptiles are a minority.
Considering the amount of bird diversity you see even in smaller zoos, particularly compared to mammal diversity (usually there's as many or more birds compared to mammals, whereas in PZ there are only six birds and nearly seventy mammals*), I think the aviary pack has to be big, even if it would cost more than normal and even if it would be the only remaining pack in 2021. What I expect is still something on the larger side but probably not a whole twenty--either that or two bird packs released months apart. Better to keep expectations low so as to avoid disappointment.
*And yes I know why this is. Most normal people buy Planet Zoo for lions and elephants, and the charismatic megafauna are also the ones who sell zoo tickets in real life. Nerds like me who prefer birds and reptiles are a minority.
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I don't believe it'll be a bigger pack than what we have seen before. I suspect it might be an animal pack because it makes a lot of sense. We get a standard 4+1 pack in the fall and then they finish off the year on a high note with an aviary pack. We maybe get a few more building pieces, few foliage options, signs and that's about it. Just like the SEA pack. Just my prediction and to be honest I'd be pretty happy with that outcome.
Here's what I expect:
A major update that introduces flying, maybe/likely will be like how it is in JWE 2. Not sure how it'll work, but I'm assuming special barriers or construction pieces. This update will add flying to the greater flamingo and the Indian peafowl.
I expect at least 8 birds, although it'll be disappointing since birds take up a huge part in zoos, almost always. Though, I can see Frontier "cheating" by choosing specific species with relatives that are almost identical, so all they'd need is a recolor/reskin and slightly different requirements; if they do this, I won't complain.
Species I require:
Now, after they release this hypothetical pack, I can see Frontier releasing 1 bird per future pack to complement this new feature
A major update that introduces flying, maybe/likely will be like how it is in JWE 2. Not sure how it'll work, but I'm assuming special barriers or construction pieces. This update will add flying to the greater flamingo and the Indian peafowl.
I expect at least 8 birds, although it'll be disappointing since birds take up a huge part in zoos, almost always. Though, I can see Frontier "cheating" by choosing specific species with relatives that are almost identical, so all they'd need is a recolor/reskin and slightly different requirements; if they do this, I won't complain.
Species I require:
- Scarlet macaw - the ambassador for tropical rainforests and very iconic. Possible reasons include:
- Blue and yellow macaw
- Military macaw
- Hyacinth macaw
- Bald eagle - honestly, a bit controversial, because they're in zoos in Europe, but here in US you can't have one unless it's rescued and can't fly. Even then, it must have an open enclosure. Possible reskins include:
- Golden eagle
- Victoria crowned pigeon - I mean, what's not to love about it? Common in zoos, I believe, and striking color
- Superb lyrebird - I've never seen one, but it would be amazing to have this. Bonus points to Frontier if they can mimic other animals in-game (inspired by Leaf when he mentioned talking parrots)
- Laughing kookaburra - a no brainer, maybe even kinda cliche, but they are an odd, yet amazing bird.
- Toco toucan - why not? I love them, they are in many zoological gardens (I saw them in a Mexican restaurant in Merida, once. Amazing). Possible reasons include:
- Any other relative, such as other toucans and aracaris
- Scarlet ibis - I love their color. I've only seen them in aviaries, but I think that they be worth it, to build a jungle enclosure for them. Possible reskins include:
- Sacred ibis
- Greater hornbill - a large bird, resembling the toucans, but very different
Now, after they release this hypothetical pack, I can see Frontier releasing 1 bird per future pack to complement this new feature
I'd like to see a wide variety for the initial one if it's just a 4+1 pack like the standard ones.
Scarlet Macaw: It's both an iconic bird, and one that's easy to reskin at a later point for more parrots. Toucans are a bit to close to the parrots with a lot of things that would also leave it as something for another pack.
Golden Eagle: While the Bald Eagle is a bigger thing in looks, the Golden is also a great thing and would have the Bald Eagle as something that could be one of the central pieces in a North American pack. I'd have also considered other eagles for it, and also considered other predatory/scavenger birds such as the California Condor.
Madagascan Pochard: An extremely rare duck species that has had some success at breeding in captivity recently. Ducks are also something that can work rather well and having a duck pond is a rather common thing, plus there are a lot of duck species, so reskinning and slight modifications would be easy.
Japanese Red Crowned Crane: Adds another very different option, and a rather common in display bird. It would also work for other cranes and a starting point for herons and similar.
Bumblebee Bat (Exhibit): A wider net of animals and still goes with a flying animal for it without just being another bird, and adds something entirely new to the exhibits.
Scarlet Macaw: It's both an iconic bird, and one that's easy to reskin at a later point for more parrots. Toucans are a bit to close to the parrots with a lot of things that would also leave it as something for another pack.
Golden Eagle: While the Bald Eagle is a bigger thing in looks, the Golden is also a great thing and would have the Bald Eagle as something that could be one of the central pieces in a North American pack. I'd have also considered other eagles for it, and also considered other predatory/scavenger birds such as the California Condor.
Madagascan Pochard: An extremely rare duck species that has had some success at breeding in captivity recently. Ducks are also something that can work rather well and having a duck pond is a rather common thing, plus there are a lot of duck species, so reskinning and slight modifications would be easy.
Japanese Red Crowned Crane: Adds another very different option, and a rather common in display bird. It would also work for other cranes and a starting point for herons and similar.
Bumblebee Bat (Exhibit): A wider net of animals and still goes with a flying animal for it without just being another bird, and adds something entirely new to the exhibits.
I would say that 20 animals would be a good start for an aviary roster, but I would prefer that they'd all require aviaries so that we can get as much as we can out of it.
Now that we know that JWE2's pterosaurs are going to be fully-functional species with unique behaviours, I can easily see that idea being translated over to Planet Zoo. I think they should be able to exist outside of aviaries, but they'd need to be kept in an enclosed space to stop them flying everywhere. I also really like @NZFanatic 's take on roofed enclosures as well.
My ideal starting selection:
1. Blue-and-Yellow Macaw
2. Rainbow Lorikeet
3. Scarlet Macaw
4. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
5. Andean Condor
6. Bald Eagle
7. Barn Owl
8. Harpy Eagle
9. Peregrine Falcon
10. Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
11. Snowy Owl
12. Common Raven
13. Laughing Kookaburra
14. Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise
15. Rhinoceros Hornbill
16. Scarlet Ibis
17. Tawny Frogmouth
18. Toco Toucan
19. Victoria Crowned Pigeon
20. Malayan Flying Fox
I would definitely not be opposed to additional packs to centre around specific groups of birds (for example: a raptor pack with African Pygmy Falcon, Great Horned Owl, King Vulture and Philippine Eagle) as long as it doesn't require the other pack to buy (even though a large aviary pack would probably sell pretty well).