Hello.
If I was to put this long letter simply. I am suggesting that the game should have a strong base of local animals for various areas - but mainly for Europe, because that is the area I am interested in. No zoo works without including several native animals and birds - they are not just all about some exotic tiger or lion or such. I found it rather odd to not see much any European animals in the game. If you don't have patience to read then this one is not for you.
I really find it a little bit silly if not strange - that there are very 'European' looking classical building blocks in the game. Red bricks for example. But where are the European animals in general?
As said, a Zoo does not simply run on display of foreign animals only - they do indeed have a strong backbone of local and domestic animals from large to small.
But at first - could you please FIX the Reindeer information within Planet Zoo game? It never mentions the FACT that in North Europe the animal IS not exactly or totally WILD, but in fact OWNED. This is why it SHOULD be possible to have these animals as petting zoo or walk in habitat animals - cause that is exactly what they are in Finland for example. They roam free yes, in the wilderness, but have markers in the ears and literally BELONG to the native population of Laplanders, whom herd them. So in north Europe, if you see a reindeer walking on that road, someone owns him and no it did not escape - it's just a normal situation. As far as I know the new baby reindeer belong to whom ever it's mother belongs to. There are these large events of gathering them all up and separating them for various purposes to tend the herd. There is no way their owners would accept someone hunting their animals. And the fact is that the population of Reindeer is so huge that the herders run out winter feed for their animals. Because they eat pretty much ONLY lichens of Cladonia family - like Cladonia stellaris. Which sends the herders for example in Finland south of the country in winter looking for set plant from the forests for the feed of their animals. Sure it is limited the space you got for animal info I suppose - but this bit of information really is rather notable for being missing. You can literally see in areal pictures where the herding areas being and end - due the lack of set lichen cover over the ground.
Before I go forward. I realize there is limits to what there could be in a game, but then again, to keep a game alive it needs new things. So I am in a way suggesting a wide selection of 'local' animals for various areas - starting with Europe.
So let me give here a list of set creatures, which I do believe should be in the game - because I wish there would come a European or generally 'domestic / local' animal pack including those either common or endangered species from Europe and why not some from other parts of the world too. I do mean a large pack to patch the notable lack of animals that would absolutely be found in a zoo - for being local to the area where the zoo is from. Not just all those exotic animals from other parts of the world - as it feels to be the case now. Having any classical building parts at all - but next to none European animals is STRANGE. Adding the most familiar animals from Europe is not boring - note to developers - I can't imagine why they aren't in the game?! Also, I know there are areal variants through out to world to them - but I am from Northern parts of EU so I'll go with what would help me to create a zoo like it would be in my native country or norther Europe in general and add here their Latin names to be accurate. I am certain my suggestions would create some very interesting habitat building requirements - and even a new type of a habitat size - not a tiny one, but small one and for some cases fully sealed, to prevent escapes. And then interesting bird habitats as well.
I am not used to speaking about set animal species in English - so I'll do Latin - hoping to not make a mistake doing this list. At least that way I can check that the English name is right, referring to the right animal in my own tongue. For me the most notable choices though many in number are green for clarity:
Saimaa ringed seal, Pusa hispida saimensi (Saimaannorppa in Finn). This animal is very endangered - living naturally ONLY in ONE SINGLE LOCATION in the world - the Lake Saimaa of Finland. It used to be even more in trouble, sightings being one very rarely - though these days one might be lucky to see 'colonies' of 4-5 at the time. Extremely pretty fur by the way. It is a SWEET WATER SEAL. While I know this animal may well not be known at all by most folks - it indeed deserves to exist in this game and in peoples awareness given that it is so very unique in the world. Apparently they did try or actually did plant this animal into some lake in the America.
(European) Brown Bear, Ursus arctos (is the main species, from which others like the Himalayan and Grizzly derive from!) Wait a moment? Why would the game only have subspecies? I really like each - but Brown Bear is endangered in many European countries and would indeed deserve a place in a zoo or one of those wildlife parks we can build in this game. In Finland their numbers are increasing and it is very important animal to our national culture both mythological as well as being the national animal of the country. So certainly I wish to see it in the game - the same as whooper swan, which I will mention with the birds list.
Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx (sometimes called Felis lynx as there has been some reclassification from past days). These medium sized cats are VERY shy. Apparently they like to sit in large birch trees and will absolutely see a human before we will notice any trace of them. The area is very wide spread indeed from Europe to northern parts of Asia and even in Himalayas. It is suffering from habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching and depletion of prey. I have seen signs of bears and wolves in forests, but I have never seen even a single trace of a lynx - yet it is out there all over my native country of Finland. The only place where people generally get to see this animal is a zoo. I am not at all so enthusiastic about those big cats that are already in the game - except that Snow Leopard is my favorite animal in the game and I would like black variation of jaguars - those of course exist already.
European Moose, Alces alces (sometimes called 'elk' depending on the speaker's native tongue). To be specific, European Moose is not the same as Alces americanus! The first is currently a bit in trouble apparently due an illness common in the latter. That said, idk how European population has gotten infected with an illness from an American version of the animal - but it is a problem certainly.
Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes (The only native fox of Europe, all though there is tiny population of Arctic fox in Scandinavia.) This animal is absolutely beautiful and actually very fluffy at least in Finland. It also is very iconic in England for example. But for me it is that one animal we will see actually rather often even in populated areas. Sometimes even living in a city - oddly. I seen their pups play completely unaware of their surroundings on a road side next to some fields. And I seen one interact with people at a traditional dance hall - asking for bits of sausages sold for the people who came out to have a bit of a spin on the dance floor - lol. My very own mother had a fox until it returned in wild, because hunters had killed his mother and so grandpa bring the pup home and it grew up with them, when she was a child. I'd say that while I find the Saimaa Seal (mentioned above) more interesting for the game, it is impossible not to mention your ordinary red fox. Zoos would absolutely have some, because they do indeed keep local animals given that those should be easier to acquire. Other interesting fox would be silver fox, in the wild - when not in a fox farm - they are actually a color variant of the red fox.
Eurasian wolf, Canis lupus lupus / Grey wolf, Canis lupus (in game as the timber wolf?) (The grey wolf is said to be native to Eurasia and North America. Notable how ever is that Timber wolf for example is not the same wolf as Eurasian wolf!) Eurasian wolf is also know as the common wolf. And I feel bit confused because the timber wolf is named in Latin, with in the game as Canis lupus, which is in fact the Grey Wolf. Mostly images I seen of Timber wolf seem brown, more than grey. While there is a wolf called Eastern Wolf, Canis lupus lycaon which actually is known as timber wolf or eastern timber wolf. I am not an expert here - but it seems obvious the wolf in the game is an American wolf - not the Eurasian wolf - so latter is there for missing from the game.
Eurasian Red Squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris (is primarily herbivorous, arboreal rodent. There just is great lack of rodents in general in the game and these squirrels fit well the domestic species factor I am after here. Besides these animals are very popular in general, most people, even those who aren't into a zoo or such like them. People will feed the with nuts at their home yards - but how many of us know that a squirrel may develop long lasting relationships with their siblings even if they find others to mate with and thus can be seen defending their habitat area together. Squirrels are a large group in general around the world having huge number of different kinds.
Northern Flying Squirrel, Pteromyini / Petauristini (while not actually able to fly, they do glide.) This would be extremely interesting animal to make a habitat for, small habitat, where it is not at all easy to keep them in - lol. But honestly speaking, this omnivorous animal is very rare and hard to spot because it is so careful. People have had tendencies to keep them as 'pocket pets'.
Arctic Fox, Vulpes lagopus (This is absolutely arctic tundra animal.) Given the packs in the game, arctic fox seems to be literally missing from the game! It is very beautiful too and lives in far-away areas up north.
Eurasian Beaver, Castor fiber (often 'replaced' with the american variant, a fact alone which should earn it a preservation spot to have the population rejuvenated in the wild). Is a second largest rodent after the capybaras in the world. The whole idea of building a dam for a beaver is very interesting idea for the game in general.
Lemming, Lemmus lemmus (yes this is the animal your 'lemming train' expression comes from in the games). For that reason alone it should be a thing in a zoo game. But seriously speaking, this small rodent is from arctic tundra biomes - a gain being one of those animals which absolutely should have been included already. Besides it is wild but related to rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils, which all some folks have as pets. And it's strange migration habits are true - these little fellows will follow the leader even jumping of from huge cliffs. (LATER EDIT: I don't wish to have to tell this to people several times so I add this. I do not refer to the misconception of them making 'suicide jumps' but simply jumping down edges rather large to their size. These animals are small and light, they can swim. Some species of lemmings migrate more than others. They do this mostly due food loss in areas and they are fine with the jumps they make. Again I am not saying they do suicide jumps, something to do with some silly documentaries from past times, which indeed is a misconception. Had just forgot that set misunderstanding exists - so pleas do not say I am spreading wrong info.)
European hare, Lepus europaeus
Lepus, timidus The two different rabbit animals would also be a good idea.
Mustelidae, Mustela. (This is a whole group aka family of animal species, including small carnivorous mammals as follows weasels, badgers, otters, ferrets, martens, minks and wolverines + others.) It would be HIGHLY interesting to build relatively small habitats for small animals. As there are several in this group, let me name a few specific interests: Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) which by the way is called common otter and has other names - it just happens to be the most widely spread otter for living area - the population health is very different through our various countries. European Pine Marten, Martens martens / Martens melampus (is actually just one of many different kinds of martens through out the world.) But it most definitely is one of those domestic animals a zoo should have to show, besides they tend to be hunted aka trapped for fur trade in some countries. I think they were the kind to prefer leaf forests, but can live even in taiga areas. European mink, Mustela lutreola (notable is not closely related to American mink.) Requires a river that does not fully freeze in winter. Listed as critically endangered so it absolutely should be part of programs to save animals which a zoo would get involved with. And has to compete with American Mink for living space cause people introduced the american species to Europe at some point, cause it was over hunted.
Wolverine, Gulo gulo (largest of land living Mustelidae). Very ferocious, may kill pray larger than itself. Found mostly in Northern boreal forests, subarctic and alpine tundra. It is a scavenger mostly by the way and there are related species in northern parts of America. It suffers from trapping and habitat fragmentation. Already rare in southern parts of Europe - much like bears for example. European Badger, Meles meles (is very iconic animal in European environment - and a NIGHT ANIMAL). In fact many of these animals would move around at night. And this game actually has nights - so these animals should be rather interesting addition all together. Badgers do eat more than just meat though classified as carnivore.
Wild Boar, Sus scrofa (is one of the most well known aka famous wild game animals yet it is not common for people to see them in today's world.) It should be absolutely included, after all it is local to most of the Europe, even if it can not survive in north without feeding if the winters are true with snow and ice covering the ground. It has been known and spoken about widely, enough for us to know how important it was in the history for hunters and in some places still today. But there is a difference in human supported populations and naturally wild groups of these animals - and surely a zoo would wish to show them in their wild state, instead of almost like a farm animal.
White Tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus. (Certainly by origin this animal is from North America, but it has been added into animal population of for example Finland, and some few other countries by human hands - and tends to be widely hunted. The fact that some populations are healthy and even living in ares not their natural habitat, except for being similar - should not prevent an animal becoming part of the options within the game. It is easy to observe these in the wild at rural areas - but not all people live where they could see wild animals.
Red Deer, Cervus elaphus (does not live in most norther parts of Europe being a temperate animal, but it indeed is the largest of deer in general!) Certainly I must be fair to our Central European friends to mention this one. Again, this kind of animals are indeed something that would be seen commonly in a zoo.
I was literally disappointed to find out that these kind of common or locally endangered species from Europe are missing form the game. I literally think these should be the very back bone of any zoo game - always there. Same goes for certain birds. A zoo will nearly always have a large share of local (domestic but not pet or farm) animals for where ever the zoo in question is located at. Same likely will go for other areas in the world. But it really is high time to see a ton of European animals in the game. Tigers and such world widely familiar, great animals, are still not commonly everywhere - but any a zoo will have good collection or locals.
It may be very interesting to make bird / animal hospital / rehabilitation center - maybe birds could be release only animals arriving to the game zoo in bad condition to be cared for to be released - that function is there already. This is my list of the truly missing birds - sry but there just aren't enough of them in the game in general - but I will speak of local birds to my area leaving the exotic paradise birds to others to request. Notably Finland's wetlands are nesting grounds for great percentage of European migrating birds so... can't name them all... yet I simply want, these notably lovely birds from Europe:
Whooper Swan, Cygnus Cygnus (has a yellow, not orange peak.) This happens to be the national bird of Finland. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the trumpeter swan. It is threatened, living mostly in more tundra like areas but does indeed winter in several southern areas of Europe. Needs by the way large water areas cause they young have too weak legs to support them on land. So they eat water plants from shallow wetland areas and learn to walk on land better as they grow up - which should be interesting feature related to habitat build. (Generally speaking, even your general Swan (Cygnus) would be nice, but they are far more common and zoo's in these days are involved in preserving the life of more rare species. And if there is a flamingo in the game - swan is really about as iconic as a flamingo.)
Common crane, Grus grus (is the ONLY commonly found species of cranes in Europe, besides demoiselle crane.) Medium sized but the tallest in North of Europe. Performs very lovely dance during mating season. And for these reasons should absolutely be available for people to see. Often birds that migrate return to where they grew up - or can be kept inside during cold seasons. It is actually quite nice looking bird.
Barnacle goose, Branta leucopsis (is notably the kind to nest on high mountain cliffs but then goes to feed on lakes and rivers.) Very pretty bird for a goose! A bird to which Arfican-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds conservation agreement applies to. Has been in zoos.
Common Goldeneye, Bucephala clangula (is a sea duck, when it flies it's wings whistle). Looses feathers anally, when it can not fly before new feathers grow. Spread of the bird is again very wide. Nests for a month - in a bird house. Baby birds must jump out from the nest hole only day old - then the mother takes them into small bays to feed and leaves them there, not all in one place, and checks on them for few weeks - and will leave them then to survive on their own. Will enter the nest hole in full flight and bangs against the back wall doing so. Quite unusual in many ways.
Black-throated loon, Gavia arctica (is a diving bird who hunts fish for food.) It could be considered 'top predator' in the areas of it's breeding like on the lakes of it's choice. Feeds it's young even when they are a month old. In this way very different to the one above. And will later feed the less grown of the two young baby birds more than the stronger one to have them both grow strong. Dives for 17-27 seconds.
White-tailed Eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla (is a very large species of sea eagle. I am sure many American would like to see the white-head eagle - but this eagle has it's troubles in the wild and struggles for example because a lot of toxins gather into it's body never leaving. It lives or should live in many parts of Europe, and Siberia. It is known that at times people have tried to steal it's eggs and there for their nests are often held as a secret from the public. In some areas there may be more of them, but at other areas it is still in trouble even if things have turned for better. It simply is beautiful, powerful and lovely bird of prey - I'd love to add an eagle rehabilitation center for a zoo. Oddly, though I am European, I have seen a white head eagle close, but never the white-tailed eagle - except for seeing them fly high in wild.
Eurasian Eagle-owl, Budo budo (lives in most areas of Eurasia all though it is not a common bird for people to see flying about). Many a time I repeat the same point - it is local, yet a zoo would be the best place to see one and for people to learn about them. In my country people still have forest to enjoy and move around about - but though I am from Finland I live in France and here it is pretty much one big city. It is very rare to see any wild animals. I figure many European really would need to go to a zoo to see their local wildlife as well.
Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos (is maybe the best known bird of prey in the northern-hemisphere, because it distributes most widely.) Yet it has disappeared from many areas where people populations are heavy - which means that many city folks would not have maybe even seen one in the nature.
Northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis (is a medium-large raptor, and yet the only species in the genus Accipiter found in both Eurasia and North America.) It is so widely spread that it should be good addition for both Europeans and Americans, others too.
Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Prefers to eat fish, water birds and frogs - being VERY widely spread through out the entire world.) The fact of it's spread area alone should make it important addition to the game.
Long-eared Owl (Cat Owl), Asio otus (is also known as Northern long-eared owl.) Very widely spread and has large breeding range in the world. Has a funny habit of using nests built buy other birds. And success of breeding depends on availability of small rodents and its other pray animals. Very territorial. Another fairly unique characteristic of this species is its partially for regular roosts that are often shared by a number of long-eared owls at once. And as such could make very interesting game bird. Babies sound like un-oiled hinges when they request for food
.
Eurasian pygmy owl, Glaucidium passerinum (is the smallest owl in Europe, does not migrate and stores food into various holes or birdhouses if it did not need to eat all at once. Considering the game, it is unusually for owls, the kind to hunt in the day or at evening times.
Yes I am aware that some folks would want the barn owl, but I chose to go with those more common to my native areas. Which is why I would even add the Snowy owl, Budo scandiacus to this list. After all it is large and white - rather impressive and would have belonged to arctic animals / birds.
Western capercaille, Tetrao urogallus (is largest of all extant grouse species.) Likes pine trees and needs little rocks for to grind the food. Is aggressive during breeding season may even attack adult people. Most beautiful of these type of birds. Quite iconic, often used as models for paintings - thus should well work in a game. Very handsome breeding behavior.
Black grouse, Lyrurus tetrix (tetrix) (sometimes called Eurasian black grouse.) Has a tail in shape of a lyre. While generally this bird may be considered not to be in danger - this is not the case in all countries due hunting. It is about as beautiful as the one above and similar - so it would be useful to have the both to show the differences.
Willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus. (makes rather 'rude' sounds, but is absolutely taiga and especially iconic arctic bird.) Should absolute be included for being arctic given that currently it is missing.
Common oo, Cuculus Canorus (Has very wide breeding range, but notably does not care for it's eggs - but instead will in fact make them into the nests of other birds.) It's non-nesting habits would make it rather interesting bird to care for in a zoo - likely requiring false nests for it to lay eggs into and make the zoo workers to actually care for them. (Note: Aren't I lucky to have used also the Latin name because this website automatically edits to remove the front part of the second word in actual name of this bird leaving just 'oo'. Silly automated systems created by over screamish cultures that can't apparently handle even actual names remotely resembling certain naughty parts - sighs.)
Long-tailed / bushtit, Aegithalos caudatus (is the only one of it's kind in Europe, and is in fact not a 'true birdtit'. (Kindly, remove the word 'brid' from end of the last word in previous sentence, it is in the name actually, the system just is overly screamish about it being somehow naughty, sighs.)) It makes 8-12 eggs and even other long-tailed may help feeding the baby-birds than just the parents. This bird is absolutely adorable and should therefor be in the game. I'll include a picture of it. My absolutely favorite by the way. Picture down to prove I am not being naughty with words lol.
Common wood pigeon, Columba palumbus (is absolutely not the same pigeon you will see in the city.) At least in Finland this is the largest pigeon and rather pretty. Iconic sound and both female and male creates 'dove milk' for baby birds - must drink once a day. Again interesting and different kind of a bird that would be rather educative on natures variable solutions.
There could in fact be a lot of small birds so I will simply create a list, first simply families: in general, chickadees like Eurasian blue , Cyanistes caeruleus. The thrushes, Turdidae like Mistle thrush, Turdus viscivorus. Finches, Fringillidae like European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis. Buntings, Emberizae like Yellowhammer, Emberiza citrinella. Sylviidae, Sylviidae (yes english name is same as in Latin) like Eurasian blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla. Motacillidaes, Motacillidae like white wagtail, Motacilla alba. Swallows, Hirundinidae like the Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica. Or some single birds like: Common nightingale, Luscinia megarhynchos, for it's pretty song. Common Redstart, Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica.
Well that is a large suggestion, I know. No need to tell me how impossible it is to have it all. Time and several packs could get close though, unless the game developers would really take a cool leap. But yes these were my 'small hopes'. I really wish it did not focus only on those exotic animals.
Sincerely,
Lyriga
PS. The picture has long-tailed name not allowed in it. Now isn't it cute - should absolutely be accepted.
If I was to put this long letter simply. I am suggesting that the game should have a strong base of local animals for various areas - but mainly for Europe, because that is the area I am interested in. No zoo works without including several native animals and birds - they are not just all about some exotic tiger or lion or such. I found it rather odd to not see much any European animals in the game. If you don't have patience to read then this one is not for you.
I really find it a little bit silly if not strange - that there are very 'European' looking classical building blocks in the game. Red bricks for example. But where are the European animals in general?
As said, a Zoo does not simply run on display of foreign animals only - they do indeed have a strong backbone of local and domestic animals from large to small.
But at first - could you please FIX the Reindeer information within Planet Zoo game? It never mentions the FACT that in North Europe the animal IS not exactly or totally WILD, but in fact OWNED. This is why it SHOULD be possible to have these animals as petting zoo or walk in habitat animals - cause that is exactly what they are in Finland for example. They roam free yes, in the wilderness, but have markers in the ears and literally BELONG to the native population of Laplanders, whom herd them. So in north Europe, if you see a reindeer walking on that road, someone owns him and no it did not escape - it's just a normal situation. As far as I know the new baby reindeer belong to whom ever it's mother belongs to. There are these large events of gathering them all up and separating them for various purposes to tend the herd. There is no way their owners would accept someone hunting their animals. And the fact is that the population of Reindeer is so huge that the herders run out winter feed for their animals. Because they eat pretty much ONLY lichens of Cladonia family - like Cladonia stellaris. Which sends the herders for example in Finland south of the country in winter looking for set plant from the forests for the feed of their animals. Sure it is limited the space you got for animal info I suppose - but this bit of information really is rather notable for being missing. You can literally see in areal pictures where the herding areas being and end - due the lack of set lichen cover over the ground.
Before I go forward. I realize there is limits to what there could be in a game, but then again, to keep a game alive it needs new things. So I am in a way suggesting a wide selection of 'local' animals for various areas - starting with Europe.
So let me give here a list of set creatures, which I do believe should be in the game - because I wish there would come a European or generally 'domestic / local' animal pack including those either common or endangered species from Europe and why not some from other parts of the world too. I do mean a large pack to patch the notable lack of animals that would absolutely be found in a zoo - for being local to the area where the zoo is from. Not just all those exotic animals from other parts of the world - as it feels to be the case now. Having any classical building parts at all - but next to none European animals is STRANGE. Adding the most familiar animals from Europe is not boring - note to developers - I can't imagine why they aren't in the game?! Also, I know there are areal variants through out to world to them - but I am from Northern parts of EU so I'll go with what would help me to create a zoo like it would be in my native country or norther Europe in general and add here their Latin names to be accurate. I am certain my suggestions would create some very interesting habitat building requirements - and even a new type of a habitat size - not a tiny one, but small one and for some cases fully sealed, to prevent escapes. And then interesting bird habitats as well.
I am not used to speaking about set animal species in English - so I'll do Latin - hoping to not make a mistake doing this list. At least that way I can check that the English name is right, referring to the right animal in my own tongue. For me the most notable choices though many in number are green for clarity:
Saimaa ringed seal, Pusa hispida saimensi (Saimaannorppa in Finn). This animal is very endangered - living naturally ONLY in ONE SINGLE LOCATION in the world - the Lake Saimaa of Finland. It used to be even more in trouble, sightings being one very rarely - though these days one might be lucky to see 'colonies' of 4-5 at the time. Extremely pretty fur by the way. It is a SWEET WATER SEAL. While I know this animal may well not be known at all by most folks - it indeed deserves to exist in this game and in peoples awareness given that it is so very unique in the world. Apparently they did try or actually did plant this animal into some lake in the America.
(European) Brown Bear, Ursus arctos (is the main species, from which others like the Himalayan and Grizzly derive from!) Wait a moment? Why would the game only have subspecies? I really like each - but Brown Bear is endangered in many European countries and would indeed deserve a place in a zoo or one of those wildlife parks we can build in this game. In Finland their numbers are increasing and it is very important animal to our national culture both mythological as well as being the national animal of the country. So certainly I wish to see it in the game - the same as whooper swan, which I will mention with the birds list.
Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx (sometimes called Felis lynx as there has been some reclassification from past days). These medium sized cats are VERY shy. Apparently they like to sit in large birch trees and will absolutely see a human before we will notice any trace of them. The area is very wide spread indeed from Europe to northern parts of Asia and even in Himalayas. It is suffering from habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching and depletion of prey. I have seen signs of bears and wolves in forests, but I have never seen even a single trace of a lynx - yet it is out there all over my native country of Finland. The only place where people generally get to see this animal is a zoo. I am not at all so enthusiastic about those big cats that are already in the game - except that Snow Leopard is my favorite animal in the game and I would like black variation of jaguars - those of course exist already.
European Moose, Alces alces (sometimes called 'elk' depending on the speaker's native tongue). To be specific, European Moose is not the same as Alces americanus! The first is currently a bit in trouble apparently due an illness common in the latter. That said, idk how European population has gotten infected with an illness from an American version of the animal - but it is a problem certainly.
Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes (The only native fox of Europe, all though there is tiny population of Arctic fox in Scandinavia.) This animal is absolutely beautiful and actually very fluffy at least in Finland. It also is very iconic in England for example. But for me it is that one animal we will see actually rather often even in populated areas. Sometimes even living in a city - oddly. I seen their pups play completely unaware of their surroundings on a road side next to some fields. And I seen one interact with people at a traditional dance hall - asking for bits of sausages sold for the people who came out to have a bit of a spin on the dance floor - lol. My very own mother had a fox until it returned in wild, because hunters had killed his mother and so grandpa bring the pup home and it grew up with them, when she was a child. I'd say that while I find the Saimaa Seal (mentioned above) more interesting for the game, it is impossible not to mention your ordinary red fox. Zoos would absolutely have some, because they do indeed keep local animals given that those should be easier to acquire. Other interesting fox would be silver fox, in the wild - when not in a fox farm - they are actually a color variant of the red fox.
Eurasian wolf, Canis lupus lupus / Grey wolf, Canis lupus (in game as the timber wolf?) (The grey wolf is said to be native to Eurasia and North America. Notable how ever is that Timber wolf for example is not the same wolf as Eurasian wolf!) Eurasian wolf is also know as the common wolf. And I feel bit confused because the timber wolf is named in Latin, with in the game as Canis lupus, which is in fact the Grey Wolf. Mostly images I seen of Timber wolf seem brown, more than grey. While there is a wolf called Eastern Wolf, Canis lupus lycaon which actually is known as timber wolf or eastern timber wolf. I am not an expert here - but it seems obvious the wolf in the game is an American wolf - not the Eurasian wolf - so latter is there for missing from the game.
Eurasian Red Squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris (is primarily herbivorous, arboreal rodent. There just is great lack of rodents in general in the game and these squirrels fit well the domestic species factor I am after here. Besides these animals are very popular in general, most people, even those who aren't into a zoo or such like them. People will feed the with nuts at their home yards - but how many of us know that a squirrel may develop long lasting relationships with their siblings even if they find others to mate with and thus can be seen defending their habitat area together. Squirrels are a large group in general around the world having huge number of different kinds.
Northern Flying Squirrel, Pteromyini / Petauristini (while not actually able to fly, they do glide.) This would be extremely interesting animal to make a habitat for, small habitat, where it is not at all easy to keep them in - lol. But honestly speaking, this omnivorous animal is very rare and hard to spot because it is so careful. People have had tendencies to keep them as 'pocket pets'.
Arctic Fox, Vulpes lagopus (This is absolutely arctic tundra animal.) Given the packs in the game, arctic fox seems to be literally missing from the game! It is very beautiful too and lives in far-away areas up north.
Eurasian Beaver, Castor fiber (often 'replaced' with the american variant, a fact alone which should earn it a preservation spot to have the population rejuvenated in the wild). Is a second largest rodent after the capybaras in the world. The whole idea of building a dam for a beaver is very interesting idea for the game in general.
Lemming, Lemmus lemmus (yes this is the animal your 'lemming train' expression comes from in the games). For that reason alone it should be a thing in a zoo game. But seriously speaking, this small rodent is from arctic tundra biomes - a gain being one of those animals which absolutely should have been included already. Besides it is wild but related to rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils, which all some folks have as pets. And it's strange migration habits are true - these little fellows will follow the leader even jumping of from huge cliffs. (LATER EDIT: I don't wish to have to tell this to people several times so I add this. I do not refer to the misconception of them making 'suicide jumps' but simply jumping down edges rather large to their size. These animals are small and light, they can swim. Some species of lemmings migrate more than others. They do this mostly due food loss in areas and they are fine with the jumps they make. Again I am not saying they do suicide jumps, something to do with some silly documentaries from past times, which indeed is a misconception. Had just forgot that set misunderstanding exists - so pleas do not say I am spreading wrong info.)
European hare, Lepus europaeus
Lepus, timidus The two different rabbit animals would also be a good idea.
Mustelidae, Mustela. (This is a whole group aka family of animal species, including small carnivorous mammals as follows weasels, badgers, otters, ferrets, martens, minks and wolverines + others.) It would be HIGHLY interesting to build relatively small habitats for small animals. As there are several in this group, let me name a few specific interests: Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) which by the way is called common otter and has other names - it just happens to be the most widely spread otter for living area - the population health is very different through our various countries. European Pine Marten, Martens martens / Martens melampus (is actually just one of many different kinds of martens through out the world.) But it most definitely is one of those domestic animals a zoo should have to show, besides they tend to be hunted aka trapped for fur trade in some countries. I think they were the kind to prefer leaf forests, but can live even in taiga areas. European mink, Mustela lutreola (notable is not closely related to American mink.) Requires a river that does not fully freeze in winter. Listed as critically endangered so it absolutely should be part of programs to save animals which a zoo would get involved with. And has to compete with American Mink for living space cause people introduced the american species to Europe at some point, cause it was over hunted.
Wolverine, Gulo gulo (largest of land living Mustelidae). Very ferocious, may kill pray larger than itself. Found mostly in Northern boreal forests, subarctic and alpine tundra. It is a scavenger mostly by the way and there are related species in northern parts of America. It suffers from trapping and habitat fragmentation. Already rare in southern parts of Europe - much like bears for example. European Badger, Meles meles (is very iconic animal in European environment - and a NIGHT ANIMAL). In fact many of these animals would move around at night. And this game actually has nights - so these animals should be rather interesting addition all together. Badgers do eat more than just meat though classified as carnivore.
Wild Boar, Sus scrofa (is one of the most well known aka famous wild game animals yet it is not common for people to see them in today's world.) It should be absolutely included, after all it is local to most of the Europe, even if it can not survive in north without feeding if the winters are true with snow and ice covering the ground. It has been known and spoken about widely, enough for us to know how important it was in the history for hunters and in some places still today. But there is a difference in human supported populations and naturally wild groups of these animals - and surely a zoo would wish to show them in their wild state, instead of almost like a farm animal.
White Tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus. (Certainly by origin this animal is from North America, but it has been added into animal population of for example Finland, and some few other countries by human hands - and tends to be widely hunted. The fact that some populations are healthy and even living in ares not their natural habitat, except for being similar - should not prevent an animal becoming part of the options within the game. It is easy to observe these in the wild at rural areas - but not all people live where they could see wild animals.
Red Deer, Cervus elaphus (does not live in most norther parts of Europe being a temperate animal, but it indeed is the largest of deer in general!) Certainly I must be fair to our Central European friends to mention this one. Again, this kind of animals are indeed something that would be seen commonly in a zoo.
I was literally disappointed to find out that these kind of common or locally endangered species from Europe are missing form the game. I literally think these should be the very back bone of any zoo game - always there. Same goes for certain birds. A zoo will nearly always have a large share of local (domestic but not pet or farm) animals for where ever the zoo in question is located at. Same likely will go for other areas in the world. But it really is high time to see a ton of European animals in the game. Tigers and such world widely familiar, great animals, are still not commonly everywhere - but any a zoo will have good collection or locals.
It may be very interesting to make bird / animal hospital / rehabilitation center - maybe birds could be release only animals arriving to the game zoo in bad condition to be cared for to be released - that function is there already. This is my list of the truly missing birds - sry but there just aren't enough of them in the game in general - but I will speak of local birds to my area leaving the exotic paradise birds to others to request. Notably Finland's wetlands are nesting grounds for great percentage of European migrating birds so... can't name them all... yet I simply want, these notably lovely birds from Europe:
Whooper Swan, Cygnus Cygnus (has a yellow, not orange peak.) This happens to be the national bird of Finland. It is the Eurasian counterpart of the trumpeter swan. It is threatened, living mostly in more tundra like areas but does indeed winter in several southern areas of Europe. Needs by the way large water areas cause they young have too weak legs to support them on land. So they eat water plants from shallow wetland areas and learn to walk on land better as they grow up - which should be interesting feature related to habitat build. (Generally speaking, even your general Swan (Cygnus) would be nice, but they are far more common and zoo's in these days are involved in preserving the life of more rare species. And if there is a flamingo in the game - swan is really about as iconic as a flamingo.)
Common crane, Grus grus (is the ONLY commonly found species of cranes in Europe, besides demoiselle crane.) Medium sized but the tallest in North of Europe. Performs very lovely dance during mating season. And for these reasons should absolutely be available for people to see. Often birds that migrate return to where they grew up - or can be kept inside during cold seasons. It is actually quite nice looking bird.
Barnacle goose, Branta leucopsis (is notably the kind to nest on high mountain cliffs but then goes to feed on lakes and rivers.) Very pretty bird for a goose! A bird to which Arfican-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds conservation agreement applies to. Has been in zoos.
Common Goldeneye, Bucephala clangula (is a sea duck, when it flies it's wings whistle). Looses feathers anally, when it can not fly before new feathers grow. Spread of the bird is again very wide. Nests for a month - in a bird house. Baby birds must jump out from the nest hole only day old - then the mother takes them into small bays to feed and leaves them there, not all in one place, and checks on them for few weeks - and will leave them then to survive on their own. Will enter the nest hole in full flight and bangs against the back wall doing so. Quite unusual in many ways.
Black-throated loon, Gavia arctica (is a diving bird who hunts fish for food.) It could be considered 'top predator' in the areas of it's breeding like on the lakes of it's choice. Feeds it's young even when they are a month old. In this way very different to the one above. And will later feed the less grown of the two young baby birds more than the stronger one to have them both grow strong. Dives for 17-27 seconds.
White-tailed Eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla (is a very large species of sea eagle. I am sure many American would like to see the white-head eagle - but this eagle has it's troubles in the wild and struggles for example because a lot of toxins gather into it's body never leaving. It lives or should live in many parts of Europe, and Siberia. It is known that at times people have tried to steal it's eggs and there for their nests are often held as a secret from the public. In some areas there may be more of them, but at other areas it is still in trouble even if things have turned for better. It simply is beautiful, powerful and lovely bird of prey - I'd love to add an eagle rehabilitation center for a zoo. Oddly, though I am European, I have seen a white head eagle close, but never the white-tailed eagle - except for seeing them fly high in wild.
Eurasian Eagle-owl, Budo budo (lives in most areas of Eurasia all though it is not a common bird for people to see flying about). Many a time I repeat the same point - it is local, yet a zoo would be the best place to see one and for people to learn about them. In my country people still have forest to enjoy and move around about - but though I am from Finland I live in France and here it is pretty much one big city. It is very rare to see any wild animals. I figure many European really would need to go to a zoo to see their local wildlife as well.
Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos (is maybe the best known bird of prey in the northern-hemisphere, because it distributes most widely.) Yet it has disappeared from many areas where people populations are heavy - which means that many city folks would not have maybe even seen one in the nature.
Northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis (is a medium-large raptor, and yet the only species in the genus Accipiter found in both Eurasia and North America.) It is so widely spread that it should be good addition for both Europeans and Americans, others too.
Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Prefers to eat fish, water birds and frogs - being VERY widely spread through out the entire world.) The fact of it's spread area alone should make it important addition to the game.
Long-eared Owl (Cat Owl), Asio otus (is also known as Northern long-eared owl.) Very widely spread and has large breeding range in the world. Has a funny habit of using nests built buy other birds. And success of breeding depends on availability of small rodents and its other pray animals. Very territorial. Another fairly unique characteristic of this species is its partially for regular roosts that are often shared by a number of long-eared owls at once. And as such could make very interesting game bird. Babies sound like un-oiled hinges when they request for food
.Eurasian pygmy owl, Glaucidium passerinum (is the smallest owl in Europe, does not migrate and stores food into various holes or birdhouses if it did not need to eat all at once. Considering the game, it is unusually for owls, the kind to hunt in the day or at evening times.
Yes I am aware that some folks would want the barn owl, but I chose to go with those more common to my native areas. Which is why I would even add the Snowy owl, Budo scandiacus to this list. After all it is large and white - rather impressive and would have belonged to arctic animals / birds.
Western capercaille, Tetrao urogallus (is largest of all extant grouse species.) Likes pine trees and needs little rocks for to grind the food. Is aggressive during breeding season may even attack adult people. Most beautiful of these type of birds. Quite iconic, often used as models for paintings - thus should well work in a game. Very handsome breeding behavior.
Black grouse, Lyrurus tetrix (tetrix) (sometimes called Eurasian black grouse.) Has a tail in shape of a lyre. While generally this bird may be considered not to be in danger - this is not the case in all countries due hunting. It is about as beautiful as the one above and similar - so it would be useful to have the both to show the differences.
Willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus. (makes rather 'rude' sounds, but is absolutely taiga and especially iconic arctic bird.) Should absolute be included for being arctic given that currently it is missing.
Common oo, Cuculus Canorus (Has very wide breeding range, but notably does not care for it's eggs - but instead will in fact make them into the nests of other birds.) It's non-nesting habits would make it rather interesting bird to care for in a zoo - likely requiring false nests for it to lay eggs into and make the zoo workers to actually care for them. (Note: Aren't I lucky to have used also the Latin name because this website automatically edits to remove the front part of the second word in actual name of this bird leaving just 'oo'. Silly automated systems created by over screamish cultures that can't apparently handle even actual names remotely resembling certain naughty parts - sighs.)
Long-tailed / bushtit, Aegithalos caudatus (is the only one of it's kind in Europe, and is in fact not a 'true birdtit'. (Kindly, remove the word 'brid' from end of the last word in previous sentence, it is in the name actually, the system just is overly screamish about it being somehow naughty, sighs.)) It makes 8-12 eggs and even other long-tailed may help feeding the baby-birds than just the parents. This bird is absolutely adorable and should therefor be in the game. I'll include a picture of it. My absolutely favorite by the way. Picture down to prove I am not being naughty with words lol.
Common wood pigeon, Columba palumbus (is absolutely not the same pigeon you will see in the city.) At least in Finland this is the largest pigeon and rather pretty. Iconic sound and both female and male creates 'dove milk' for baby birds - must drink once a day. Again interesting and different kind of a bird that would be rather educative on natures variable solutions.
There could in fact be a lot of small birds so I will simply create a list, first simply families: in general, chickadees like Eurasian blue , Cyanistes caeruleus. The thrushes, Turdidae like Mistle thrush, Turdus viscivorus. Finches, Fringillidae like European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis. Buntings, Emberizae like Yellowhammer, Emberiza citrinella. Sylviidae, Sylviidae (yes english name is same as in Latin) like Eurasian blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla. Motacillidaes, Motacillidae like white wagtail, Motacilla alba. Swallows, Hirundinidae like the Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica. Or some single birds like: Common nightingale, Luscinia megarhynchos, for it's pretty song. Common Redstart, Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica.
Well that is a large suggestion, I know. No need to tell me how impossible it is to have it all. Time and several packs could get close though, unless the game developers would really take a cool leap. But yes these were my 'small hopes'. I really wish it did not focus only on those exotic animals.
Sincerely,
Lyriga
PS. The picture has long-tailed name not allowed in it. Now isn't it cute - should absolutely be accepted.
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