Needed animals

The idear of the thread is simple.
How Would you guys round out areas in the game with the least amount of animals possible?
Im really talking about what feels missing and Not about what would be nice to have.

Starting with continents, i feel like africa just needs 2 more animals to feel complete, everything else would just be a neat addone.
These two animals would be a species of baboon and another monkey, for example a Columbus or de brazas monkey.

South america also would benefit Most from more monkeys, either something smaller like an emperor tamarin or spidermonkey, or a bigger howlermonkey would be great, but in the perfekt world we would have all three. Also noteworthy but Not as needed would be more grasing animals like nandus, vicunjas and capybaras for bigger and more open park style habitats.

Asia actually feels pretty good imo, the only things really missing are gibbons and some animals from farther north, but luckily this will predictably be mostly fixed by the predicted NA and EU packs, with species like lynx, moose or roedeer all spreading into northern asia.
The only endemic species thats really missing would be the pretzwalsky wild horse, a Zoo staple and a secound equine in the game.

Australia has the least exciting additions, but it feels like, while a lot of species like tree kangaroos or tasmanian devils would be great, the only ones really missing are emus and a species of wallaby, as they are both just insanly Common in Zoos.

I wont list europe and northamerica, as they are both still missing quite alot of common Zoo animals, but instead i will expand into biomes, as they are animals that dont feel necessary for their continent, but would greatly expand an underrepresented biome.
Also i should add, that im a european, so i probably am quite biased, but no one can argue that the arctic biosphere is not severly underrepresented in the game.

First for the alpine biome i feel like we all could rest calmly and build great mountain habitats if we had an ibex, preferably alpine or siberian, and a takin.

For the desert i feel like the perentie would be great, as ironically enough none of the habitat reptiles live in the desert, an area mostly represented by reptiles in Most zoos. It would also bring in another reptile and australian animal, so thats some plusses too.

There are 3 aquatic animals that i would deem necessary for the game, being the californian sealion, a small otter, preferably the asian short clawed, and beavers.

But what do you guys say? Any animals i missed or maybe even listed that you dont agree with? I cant wait to hear what you guys think are the animals that would make the game feel complete without just adding a lot of animal (Not that i would mind that happening).
Quality over Quantity, efficency over Personal favourites.
 
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Interesting idea for a thread.

For South America, I think we need a few animals to "completely" round out the roster - for me these are the capybara, squirrel monkey, more than one species of tamarin (golden lion and cotton-top are my go-to, with emperor not far behind), and either the blue-and-yellow or scarlet macaw.

For Australia, the list is longer. Tasmanian devil and emu are the "big two" however - if we got both of those I'd be pretty satisfied from an international perspective, however the game is still seriously lacking in Australian exhibit animals. So I'd also put the bearded dragon, huntsman spider, frilled lizard, and goliath stick insect on the list. Also birds again - the sulphur-crested cockatoo and laughing kookaburra are the two main ones I think we need.

Asia is missing a lot. Southeast Asia is nicely covered, with exception to the gibbon (siamang for me) and small-clawed otter (also aquatic), but the rest of the continent could use some new additions. I'm a huge advocate for the blackbuck to round out India, and an Asian leopard subspecies (preferably the Amur, but I'd take the Arabian, Persian, or Sri Lankan).

Aquatic is a much broader theme. As noted, the small-clawed otter is the key otter species in zoos, with captive populations all over the world, even in North America and Europe where they have their own local species. The sea lion is also the obvious choice for a missing aquatic species, but I also think a species of pelican is definitely needed. Pelicans are extremely versatile (could be "free-roaming" in a natural lake, or part of a mixed-species habitat, or even just displayed on their own) and various species feature in various collections.

Africa is trickier. There are a dozen animals I think are "needed", as Africa is the most represented continent in global zoo collections. For me, we need a baboon, preferably the Hamadryas, the serval, the crested porcupine, the addax, and a small tropical monkey, preferably the Diana or Rolloway monkey.
 
There's about a dozen and a half needed animals/animal niches/types IMO.

Capybara, Moose, Cougar/Mountain Lion, Leopard (African or Asian), Alpine Ibex, Emu, California Sea Lion, are the most obvious specific (or either/or in the case of the leopard) missing animals. That's 7 right there. I'm also going to add the Gibbon as the 8th, but I feel like since we do have several other Asian primates, they may actually be more popular with players rather than a missing niche in location or species or family representation.

I think we need another small feline, which will likely come in the form of a lynx, though if not, there's the possibility of the Ocelot or several other lower profile small sized felines. I also think we'll likely get another otter (Asian SC is my preference but I can see several other species for more generic representation.) We got a second penguin, it's likely we'll get the Sea Lion as a second penniped (sp), chances are more than decent to get a second otter as well, as they all came from that aquatic pack.

I know we haven't even gotten our first rodent, but we will surely get the Capybara, but I also think there would be an opportunity for another biome/continent rodent representation - beaver or porcupine (both would be great, but would give us an alternate rodent for different uses. So that's 11.

I think an exhibit animal also that's obviously missing is a cobra species. Some type of chameleon as well. That's 13.

These next few are kind of on the edge of their needed or not - (14) a third swine/porcine/species of the suidea family - Red River Hog seems the most likely bet, but there are other choices. (15) Another marsupial (I think either the Tasmanian Devil, Wombat or Wallaby would be the forerunner go-to options), (16) another mustelid that is not an otter (the wolverine or badger seem like go-to choices for me), (17) another equine (P. Horse, SWA, or even a Mustang), (18) the Dromedary, and finally, (19) a North American Crocodilian, obviously that's the American Alligator.

I want to make this an even 20, but short of taking some of the above and giving them two options instead of one, I can't think of another biome/general representation. Maybe a second goat or sheep that is not North America - like the Markhor? Because I like round numbers I'm including that space as the 20th.

Should note, out of those 20, while most are on my "top 20" Meta list, there's a few spots that are not, especially when we talk about several options. At best, 11 of the 18 habitat picks would be from my list from that, and quite a few of the more popular choices for non specific animals are not on that list for me such as the Tasmanian Devil or Beaver.
 
With the usual caveats such as aviaries aside...

Capybara, California sea lion, emu, dromedary, cougar, and some species of leopard, baboon, and gibbon. I think that's the absolute bare minimum for animals that feel like they're blatantly missing from the game. Beyond that, I think the two largest groups that need to be further fleshed out regardless of the individual species chosen would be small cats and small monkeys (honestly several each of both new and old world varieties). I think Australia particularly needs a few more species as well, with a tree kangaroo and either a wallaby or smaller kangaroo species topping that list.

Again, this is bare minimum, and mostly based on a regional perspective. I would love to see the red river hog and gray crowned crane added above much else, but I don't think they quite pass that "essential" line. And while I can recognize the glaring lack of European animals and non-African hoofstock in the game, they're both effectively nonexistent from my experience in US zoos, particularly in the southeast, so it's hard to consider them truly essential from a personal standpoint.
 
Continent wise I could still pick quite a few I’d like to see with NA and Europe leading the way in terms of the least species.
Africa- I think the Hamadryas baboon, dromedary camel, black rhino, addax, and Secretary bird all deserve roster spots. Plus a few more I’d love to see.
Asia- I think Asia could definitely use a few more like the Amur leopard possibly leading the way. Javan and Sri Lanka are viable choices also. Some Indian species would be great.
Australia- No secret this continent could definitely use another 4-5 animals. Wombats, emu, freshwater crocs, Tasmanian devil, platypus all come to mind.
South America - Andean bear, puma, howler monkey, sloth, capybara and maned wolves come to mind. Of course there’s many more great picks as well with surprise animals like the southern pudu for example.
North America -Obviously missing a few solid contenders for roster spots. Alligator, puma, moose, black bear, porcupine, and raccoon would all make good picks.
Europe- Hopefully we get some representation from Europe. Badger, ibex, lynx, wisent, red deer, moufflon, and many more could be chosen.
Of course there’s always underdogs also like civets for example or genets. Various birds as well.
 
Damn, that is hard, I feel like I NEED alot. But lets see.

North America: California Sea Lion, Moose, Puma and Alligator seems really iconic. If I could ahve picked two more it would be Beaver and Wolverine.
South America: I miss ALOT from there, but the basics... Capybara, Sloth Species, Maned Wolf and a at least one more monkey Species - I would pick Howler Monkey.
Europe: Since Iconic European animals are basically non-existent, I think we need at least: Lynx, Red Deer, Red Fox, Ibex, maybe European Badger.
Africa: I am personally missing a Secretary Bird, Honey Badger, Baboon species, Crested Porcupine and perhaps one more antelope - Generuk seems pretty unique.
Asia: Gibbon obviously, then Przewalski's horse.
Oceania: Tasmanian Devil, Emu and Wombat. I would still like to see Kiwi and Platypus, but I guess its not an "essential".
 
Africa: Despite being able to name around 30 African animals I would like to see, I believe we are only truly missing 2. The first of which, is a baboon. I would go with the Hamadryas Baboon due to my familiarity with the species and it's affinity for more arid environments. The other one is a desert antelope. Either the Addax or Scimitar-Horned Oryx would work wonders, though I wouldn't mind (I in fact prefer) getting both.

Asia: There are currently only 4 animals left from Asia that I would deem as "necessary" inclusions. The Small-Clawed Otter would add a much more accessible otter species to the game, helping to recreate more realistic zoos since Giant Otters aren't all that common. Amur Leopards would add the final member of the Panthera genus, as well as earning some points as a relatively common zoo inclusion. Przewalski's Wild Horse is far too iconic in these games to not bring in at some point, and I think that at least one gibbon species should be added at some point (Lar Gibbon would be my go-to, but Northern White-Cheeks and Siamangs are good too).

Europe: Despite Europe lacking quite a bit in endemic fauna (and by lacking, I mean that it still has none), I feel that it only has 2 animals I'd say are missing. The Alpine Ibex has been in the base roster for both Zoo Tycoon 1 and 2, and while I acknowledge that this game is NOT Zoo Tycoon, I can't deny the impact the game has made with it's roster, and that Planet Zoo is essentially it's spiritual successor. In that case, it's a big question as to why this humble mountain goat has been left out for such a long time. Secondly, a species of Lynx would, in my opinion, heavily enhance the feline roster. I'm a big advocate for the Iberian species, but I would settle just as gladly for the more common Eurasian.

North America: Oh North America. Where do I begin? This continent easily has the most missing species in my eyes. 5, to be exact. The Moose and Mountain Lion are obvious icons of NA, representing Canada and the US respectively. American Alligators are incredibly common in zoos across the world, on top of completing the quartet of crocodilians. The North American Beaver adds a member of the much neglected rodent family, and the California Sea Lion adds an incredibly iconic pinniped to the roster.

Oceania: As an Australian, I personally feel that we only NEED 3 additional species (although, I would never say no to more). I'm gonna start by saying that the Emu should've been in the Australia Pack over the cassowary. It's too iconic of an Australian animal, even being on our coat of arms, and is incredibly common in captivity. I am by no means saying that the cassowary shouldn't be in PZ, but I feel that it has a lot more potential DLC themes it can fit into, while the Emu really doesn't. Next, I think that it only makes sense to include another macropod. To be more specific, a wallaby. To be even more specific, Bennett's Wallaby. It would make good use of the kangaroo rig, and is incredibly common in captivity, even being a possible cohabitant with the Emu I brought up earlier. Lastly, I find that the Tasmanian Devil is just too unique to ignore.

South America: South America, despite all it's diversity, is only sorely lacking 3 species. Two of which are incredibly similar. Firstly, the Capybara. I don't think I need to explain myself on this one. South America would greatly benefit from more primates, and I believe that not one, but TWO representatives of the tamarin group should be represented. It's entirely plausible now that we have the meerkat. I advocate for the Golden Lion and Cotton-Top Tamarins specifically due to their conservational merit and due to how common they are in captivity as a whole (mainly due to that whole conservation thing).

(This took way too long to create)
 
Arabia/North africs is missing completely. The animals needed (common in zoos) IMO:

1. Dromedary
2. Scimitar Oryx
3. African spurred tortoise
4. Addax
5. Striped Hyena


Everything else would be nice to have.
 
Oceania: As an Australian, I personally feel that we only NEED 3 additional species (although, I would never say no to more). I'm gonna start by saying that the Emu should've been in the Australia Pack over the cassowary. It's too iconic of an Australian animal, even being on our coat of arms, and is incredibly common in captivity. I am by no means saying that the cassowary shouldn't be in PZ, but I feel that it has a lot more potential DLC themes it can fit into, while the Emu really doesn't. Next, I think that it only makes sense to include another macropod. To be more specific, a wallaby. To be even more specific, Bennett's Wallaby. It would make good use of the kangaroo rig, and is incredibly common in captivity, even being a possible cohabitant with the Emu I brought up earlier. Lastly, I find that the Tasmanian Devil is just too unique to ignore.

Why Bennett's from all the wallabies, may I ask? I feel like they are too much similar to the kangaroo we already have (they are even in the same genus Macropus). My choice as a smaller macropod woul be yellow-footed wallaby, they are so colorful!
 
Why Bennett's from all the wallabies, may I ask? I feel like they are too much similar to the kangaroo we already have (they are even in the same genus Macropus). My choice as a smaller macropod woul be yellow-footed wallaby, they are so colorful!
It's a common conflict in this fanbase, realistic vs. unique.
 
I really don't think this is a solid argument. Take a look at the big cats: Lion, Tigers, Jaguar and Snow Leopard - all the same genus. Yet the leopard is an animal a lot of people want to see added.
It's got even less weight given Macropus has actually been split in recent years, with the three subgenera all being elevated to generic status. With this in mind, Macropus now only consists of the two grey kangaroos, the wallaroos and Red Kangaroo are in Osphranter (the game uses the outdated system), and Bennett's Wallaby and the rest of the former Macropus wallabies are now in Notamacropus. So the two don't even share the same genus anymore.

Bennett's Wallaby and the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby both deserve to be added because one species alone is not a good coverage of the diversity found within wallabies, or within macropods as a whole. Unfortunately it's probably realistic to only expect one, if any.
 
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Europe: Europe has no endemic species yet, so I think they need the most animals to give people fleshed out European sections in their zoos. A deer (Red deer or Fallow deer, major preference to the Red deer!), the Alpine ibex, a lynx (Iberian or Eurasian, no preference), and European badger are my minimum requirements.

Very welcome additional animals that many would consider essential are the Red fox, Wisent, and European wild boar.

When you look at keystone animals in European nature, wild horses are also necessary--but the European wild horse (Tarpan) has gone extinct this last century. That's why in many European wildlife parks and protected areas, you'll find feral horse breeds like Koniks and Exmoor ponies that were released there intentionally. Some areas in Eastern Europe keep Przewalski horses, so if the Przewalski is added to the game, this niche might be filled after all as long as it gets a 'Europe, Asia' continent designation.

Another keystone animal in European nature are bovines: the Wisent is one of them, the other -like the Tarpan- has also gone extinct recently: the Aurochs. A modern recreation of the Aurochs is the Tauros, which is now found in several wildlife parks and nature reserves in Europe.

Oceania: Emu, Tasmanian devil, and a Wallaby are essential for me.

North America: Cougar and Moose are all I need to have complete NA sections in my zoo. And added benefit: Moose are also iconic European animals, so win win!

South America: Capybara and a Howler monkey.

Asia: Przewalski's horse is the only major missing animal for me. There are lots of Asian animals I'd love to have, but the roster currently has plenty of Asian animals already.

Africa: There are tons of African animals I'd love to have, but with the current roster I can already have a good African section in my zoos. So no essential African animals for me.
 
Why Bennett's from all the wallabies, may I ask? I feel like they are too much similar to the kangaroo we already have (they are even in the same genus Macropus). My choice as a smaller macropod woul be yellow-footed wallaby, they are so colorful!
Chiditch has said most of what I would, but I’d add that we already have a desert macropod but have no temperate species… Bennett’s fills that niche.
 
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