When do you complete/finish a zoo?

[PeppyPepp]

Just as the title says.

The reason I'm asking this is because not once in almost a year since this game has been released have I EVER completed a zoo and it's bothering me, a little bit. I always stop and get so many other ideas and just start a new zoo. Even when I have a plan I never get to the end. When I mess something up or it doesn't end up looking the way I wanted it, instead of fixing it I leave it or either begin fresh. For example in one of my franchise zoos I have been unsatisfied with how my enclosures for the siberian tiger and snow leopard were looking and it was just too much work to rebuild it so I just never completed it. Or I just get to the point of feeling uninspired and have no desire to continue in that particular zoo.

My newest project is cat sanctuary 2.0 because I never finished my first one. I am determined I am going to push through and finish it. I have a complete idea in my head and I really, REALLY want to complete my zoo.

How do you guys do it? Am I the only one with this "problem" (it's not really a problem but ya know)? Is anyone else struggling to finish their zoos? How do you determine when your zoo "ends" or is complete?

 

[FoxyDee]

Only when my zoo starts to lagg, I consider it finished and move on (well not really finished, but its hard to enjoy it with the fps drops), which is a shame, because I would love to have just one huge zoo with dozens of species rather than smaller parks.

 

[markun]

I'm the same, I've never finished a zoo. I do want to complete one in all respects - like having visitor facilities, a proper entrance, a fence going round the outside etc but I also have too many ideas so have a number of works in progress.

I am making decent progress on a zoo now. What I would really like to do is complete it but always have the potential for redevelopment and new species, just like a real zoo.

 

[Cocolori]

I don't really start with that attitude of needing to complete something but then I'm not really a builder and play franchise so it forces me to re-work and re-model all the time. I have 3 franchise zoos, my first is probably complete in terms of size, it still runs ok and my two transport rides kind of contain it but I still go in and play it (usually when a challenge prompts me as it's where I have the right species) and then stuff usually happens that makes me re-do things. It's not very decorated so while I wait for animals to breed for the challenge I improve that, plus animals age or breed or the guest flow changes and suddenly I need to change my layout to reduce stress. I swap species in and out.

My second zoo is north american and has some scope to expand, I haven't got a transport ride in yet which might help. Then I have my australian zoo which is just starting out where I literally have 4 habitats and 3 of those are temporary ones to make some money. I'm trying to be more design conscious and am going for a modern and colourful theme but my building skills leave a lot to be desired and I lack patience so it's a slow job.

In a way I think my approach is more realistic - can you name a zoo that is 'finished' in real life? They change species, they update their habitats all the time, they relocate their animals etc. It's why I like some of the mechanisms others hate like the animal stress - a species that works near the front entrance in a small zoo has to be moved because when it's bigger there are too many people so then it prompts me to redevelop. I think it's probably different for players (like you?) who go in with a really clear concept and plan.

 

[NZFanatic]

I'm the same as you @PeppyPepp; I have restarted zoos over and over and over again.

For me, however, I think the biggest problem is how long it takes to do something. I can spend ages making something, and decide when it's done that I don't like it, or that I wanted it to be different, or that it didn't live up to the expectation, and then I lose all motivation to rebuild it. After you spend so much time one particular thing, it can be exhausting doing it again.

That said, I'm not particularly concerned by it. To me, it's perfectly fine if I never finish a zoo at all, or if I don't finish one until near the end of the game's life. Back in the ZT2 days it was much the same for me - it took me many years before I actually started completing zoos, and longer still before I started playing zoos past completion.

 

[markun]

For me, however, I think the biggest problem is how long it takes to do something. I can spend ages making something, and decide when it's done that I don't like it, or that I wanted it to be different, or that it didn't live up to the expectation, and then I lose all motivation to rebuild it. After you spend so much time one particular thing, it can be exhausting doing it again.

I find that too. One of things I love about this game is that you can save things as blueprints so if I find something works but I am not happy with the zoo overall, at least I can save those bits and use them in another zoo. I have done that a lot.

 

[PeppyPepp]

In a way I think my approach is more realistic - can you name a zoo that is 'finished' in real life? They change species, they update their habitats all the time, they relocate their animals etc. It's why I like some of the mechanisms others hate like the animal stress - a species that works near the front entrance in a small zoo has to be moved because when it's bigger there are too many people so then it prompts me to redevelop. I think it's probably different for players (like you?) who go in with a really clear concept and plan.

My approach is definitely not realistic - at least in some aspects. I just love to create and while I do maintain some levels of realism it's definitely not my thing. I agree with you, zoos in real life are a living, ever changing entity.

When I build something that's it for me, I move on to the next thing. I rarely re-model. I don't always have a real idea or a plan in my mind, but I try to because it gives me a goal instead of just winging it.

As for management I really wish there was more to it because I love managing my zoo and I always lay the ground work to make sure everything will work once the first animals are in. I love all of it, the breeding, the staff training, managing electricity, water, maintenance, work zones etc. It's just that once you figure it out you face little to no problems. I wish there would be more issues or problems you'd have to solve. I wish animals would have their own personalities (shy, playful, solitary, friendly, aggressive etc), that would make it so interesting. Boyfriend and I both play the game and we often brainstorm all the cool ideas we could have in PZ.

Anyway since management leaves lots to be desired I focus on the building and I really like to go into detail. Like I said - not necessarily realistic detail but detail nonetheless.

I find that too. One of things I love about this game is that you can save things as blueprints so if I find something works but I am not happy with the zoo overall, at least I can save those bits and use them in another zoo. I have done that a lot.

I agree with this however I don't often use same blueprints in all my zoos. I always try to create something new each time. On another note, the workshop is absolutely fantastic and I use a lot of stuff from other people - especially little bits like custom signs, fonts, fences etc.

 

[Aidan635]

Just as the title says.

The reason I'm asking this is because not once in almost a year since this game has been released have I EVER completed a zoo and it's bothering me, a little bit. I always stop and get so many other ideas and just start a new zoo. Even when I have a plan I never get to the end. When I mess something up or it doesn't end up looking the way I wanted it, instead of fixing it I leave it or either begin fresh. For example in one of my franchise zoos I have been unsatisfied with how my enclosures for the siberian tiger and snow leopard were looking and it was just too much work to rebuild it so I just never completed it. Or I just get to the point of feeling uninspired and have no desire to continue in that particular zoo.

My newest project is cat sanctuary 2.0 because I never finished my first one. I am determined I am going to push through and finish it. I have a complete idea in my head and I really, REALLY want to complete my zoo.

How do you guys do it? Am I the only one with this "problem" (it's not really a problem but ya know)? Is anyone else struggling to finish their zoos? How do you determine when your zoo "ends" or is complete?

This is the exact same problem with me. Almost a year playingthe game and I also have NEVER completed a zoo, or even made it past 4-5 habitats/exhibits (that I'm happy with). I've bounced around between Sandbox, Franchise, and Challenge (and even a little Career) and found that Franchise is the best FOR ME. I feel like there is no end, and the possibilities are basically endless. I also enjoy the interaction with the community and the interaction with the animals and the management of the game. I've been playing on one zoo for a little over a week now and I've racked up over $200,000. One key thing: keep it small in ththe beginning (stay within power range, have animals with low food costs; red pandas, pangolins, warthogs, aardvarks, etc.) Hope this helped?

 

[paul78]

I have only finished a zoo twice and one of those I probably could have done more. I’ve had the game since beta and constantly restart my zoos. Sometimes because I simply get different ideas or sometimes because I will get better at doing something and it’s too late to implement into the current zoo. Lately I’ve been watching Simply Savannah on YouTube for inspiration and she makes some awesome things. I still have not attempted any of the track rides yet. I’ve tinkered with some but definitely need practice with them. I do try to create real zoos tho to a certain point. I won’t add a parking lot or anything like that as I just don’t see it necessary but I do aim for realism most of the time.

 

[Casperite]

Just as the title says.

The reason I'm asking this is because not once in almost a year since this game has been released have I EVER completed a zoo and it's bothering me, a little bit. I always stop and get so many other ideas and just start a new zoo. Even when I have a plan I never get to the end. When I mess something up or it doesn't end up looking the way I wanted it, instead of fixing it I leave it or either begin fresh. For example in one of my franchise zoos I have been unsatisfied with how my enclosures for the siberian tiger and snow leopard were looking and it was just too much work to rebuild it so I just never completed it. Or I just get to the point of feeling uninspired and have no desire to continue in that particular zoo.

My newest project is cat sanctuary 2.0 because I never finished my first one. I am determined I am going to push through and finish it. I have a complete idea in my head and I really, REALLY want to complete my zoo.

How do you guys do it? Am I the only one with this "problem" (it's not really a problem but ya know)? Is anyone else struggling to finish their zoos? How do you determine when your zoo "ends" or is complete?

When I get tired of the background I start a new one in a new biome. Usually happens after around 10 or so fully built habitats.

 

[shirandhak]

It's the same with me: I never finished a zoo yet. Sometimes I build "too big", next time it's too small. Then there are zoos or bioms I'm not satisfied with, or the biom doesn't suit me. Or my buildings are unsatisfying, or I realize that the biome wouldn't suit the animals I have in mind, or I get a lot of new ideas....

But I'm not concerned about not finishing a zoo. It's not finished? Not even 5 habitats? So: who cares? There is no PZ police coming and saying: "You have to finish it!"
I just go and build me a new zoo - perhaps even with some animals in it. lol

 

[NL_Mutso]

It's the same with me: I never finished a zoo yet. Sometimes I build "too big", next time it's too small. Then there are zoos or bioms I'm not satisfied with, or the biom doesn't suit me. Or my buildings are unsatisfying, or I realize that the biome wouldn't suit the animals I have in mind, or I get a lot of new ideas....

But I'm not concerned about not finishing a zoo. It's not finished? Not even 5 habitats? So: who cares? There is no PZ police coming and saying: "You have to finish it!"
I just go and build me a new zoo - perhaps even with some animals in it. lol

Basically the same here. Never consider a zoo finished but with most zoos i try to create options for expansions.
Sometimes the end-result isn't that great but i don't worry that much about it.

 

[Firestar97]

I've never really finished a Zoo. But I do have 2 Zoos that are almost finished until we get new Species. One of them is a Bird Park in Great Britain where I only need to add a Cassowary Enclosure to finish it until we get new Birds. The second one is a Zoo in Australia which keeps Bengal Tigers, Orangutans, Pangolins and almost all Australian Animals that are currently in the Game. For the Australian Zoo I need to wait until they fix the Problem that causes Orangutans to be unable to use the Ropes and once that is finished, I'll need to wait until we get Marine Animals.
Maybe I'll also completely rebuild the Arctic Project one Day (it isn't really suited for Guests because it started as a Research Facility, so it would be the best to rebuild everything and the Scientists could still continue their Work in the new Park). So basically the old Arctic Project Park is finished

 

[Swjosdotschka]

I'll tell you when I get to that point

No, in all honesty,I'm not different than most of us are here. When my building skills and my general skills in laying out a zoo improve, I start anew instead of fixing the old zoo. Not because I don't want to fix it, but because I build my habitats ALWAYS too close together, so I have not enough room for fixing it.

• It's kind of the same with Unity, however I have still high hopes that I will finish this zoo. For a few reasons:
• I build in different sections, so I am not limited to a building style and do not get bored too easily.
• I wrote down the animals I want in this park, so I have straight goals I can work on.
• I build this park while closed. I really want to see it open, but to do that, I must finish it first.
• I definately need a "just play and chill" zoo, without building, so that I have more patience with buildings on other projects. Unity will be just that. Finishing Unity is critical for the improvement of future projects.

But believe me, yes, I have a looot of other ideas already for future projects. The most burning one currently is a run down zoo in the outback or savannah - any hot climate. Would be the first biome change I ever made. I alreday have the backstory in my head, but I keep telling myself that fall and winter in the northern hemisphere isn't the right time to build a hot climate zoo anyway.

 

[GGG2021]

Only when the zoo begins to lag annoyingly - then I start again. Mostly

 

[PeppyPepp]

But I'm not concerned about not finishing a zoo. It's not finished? Not even 5 habitats? So: who cares? There is no PZ police coming and saying: "You have to finish it!"
I just go and build me a new zoo - perhaps even with some animals in it. lol

Oh I absolutely agree on that part. Even though I get annoyed with myself for never finishing a zoo, I do know that if I'm not having fun with the zoo then what's the point? I want to have fun with Planet Zoo.

I'll tell you when I get to that point

No, in all honesty,I'm not different than most of us are here. When my building skills and my general skills in laying out a zoo improve, I start anew instead of fixing the old zoo.

This is also true for me as well. My building and designing skills have improved so much and when I look back on my old zoos I see how much better I can build stuff.