Planet Zoo Animals That Planet Zoo Needs!

[Austin the Sengi]

Now that the Conservation Pack has been released for about a full month or so. I decided that it was right about time to reconsider most of my current ideas; and to thus make some well-intended changes to better fit with the general direction that Frontier is seemingly going through when it came to their most recent dlc’s.

But before I introduce any new changes that I made with my existing dlc’s. I thought it would be fun to showcase three new pack ideas of mine that will serve as the optional replacements for the now removed Madagascar and Greater Asia pack ideas. In addition, each of these said themes will be my own personal take on a certain theme that most of you would already be familiar with. But for now, here is the first of these new ideas of mine:

Farmyard Pack: - (new)
- Miniature Zebu, - (to make it stand out from the game’s other bovids)
- West African Pygmy Goat,
- Kunekune Pig,
- Flemish Giant Rabbit, - (the game’s first potential lagomorph)
- Red-Eared Slider (exhibit animal, not exactly domesticated; but certainly a very well popular pet reptile).


For the farmyard pack, which would essentially be the game’s “Petting Zoo” dlc. This pack I could easily see well as a scenery pack; with many new useful props, along with a possible “old farmhouse” style being the pack’s general architectonic theme. Such decoration props will vary, but some of the more well featured props, (the ones that are listed below); I could very well see for sure if this type of dlc was ever given the green light:

• - Static Tractor props, (because why not).
• - General backstage props that were missed out from being included in the Conservation Pack.
• - More fruit and vegetable props such as turnips, avocados, figs, apples, and etc.
• - Hay pile and hay-bale props.
• - Customizable windmill blueprints, (which would be flexicolor).

Now in terms of when this pack could be released, I honestly do not know. But regardless, it could honestly have the potential of becoming one of the more well-received scenery packs, if Frontier ever decided to go along with this type of project.

 

[Austin the Sengi]

Continuing on with the next of my three new pack ideas, this next dlc of mine would almost certainly be a type of animal pack. Seeing how repetitive most scenery packs have become in recent months, I would think it might become more necessary to introduce more animal pack-type dlc’s into the game’s lineup going forward; all while still making the game appealing enough for the gamer demographic that tend to prefer more building pieces, as opposed to more animals. But in order for me to keep this paragraph from getting any longer, here is the next of these new ideas of mine:

Islands Animal Pack: - (new)
- Tasmanian Devil,

- Sulawesi Crested Macaque,

- Maleo, - (sure, one may feel like the inclusion of two animals from the same island may sound a bit unfair; but to be honest, as much as I would love to include the Southern Rockhopper Penguin onto this list; I just feel like getting yet another species of penguin would feel a little too repetitive, hence the reason why I decided to choose this species instead)

- Radiated Tortoise, - (if not, then the Fossa)

- Cozumel Island Coatimundi, - (a controversial pick, indeed; yet seeing how we already have an endangered subspecies in the form of the West African Lion, for example; I still think that there’s a possibility for this to be included)

- Hawaiian Monk Seal,

- Marine Iguana, - (yet another controversial pick, but like the coati; I still think that there should be a possibility for this to be included)

- Lord Howe Island Stick Insect (exhibit animal)*.


Being an animal pack, there would be, of course, no new scenery items for one to enjoy. But even still, there will be the typical new enrichment items, foliage, and animal signage that a gamer could still use. Speaking of new foliage, one could also list out the following plant species that will become a part of this dlc’s companion update:

• - Norfolk Island Pine,
• - Plumeria rubra,
• - Madagascar Ocotillo,
• - Tussock Grass,
• - Lava Cactus.

Like the last dlc, it would be hard to figure out when exactly this new pack idea will be released. But I do think, that with all of the new animals that will be included; I still think that this dlc could still have the potential of becoming relatively well received. Especially when it comes to certain gamers that may have been requesting for one of the pack’s listed animals for the longest time.

* - means that this animal is (somewhat, if not, slightly) confirmed.

 

[Austin the Sengi]

Last but not least, we have now reached the last of my three new pack ideas. Now in contrast to what I have stated in the previous post; this next dlc idea would almost certainly be a type of scenery pack. Yet even still, I do believe that we could expect one or two more scenery pack-type dlc’s being included into the game; with this particular dlc being one of them. But for now, here is the third, and the final of these new ideas of mine:

Nocturnal Pack: - (new)
- Bengal Slow Loris, - (if not, then the Aye-Aye)

- North Island Brown Kiwi, - (undoubtedly, the main highlighter species of this new dlc)

- African Crested Porcupine,*

- Eastern Spotted Skunk, - (if not, then the Northern Raccoon)

- Tokay Gecko (exhibit animal).


Being yet another scenery pack, there would be, of course, plenty of useful new scenery items for gamers to enjoy. As usual, there would also be the typical architectonic theme, which for this pack, I could easily speculate a sort of “gothic castle” style being the pack’s main building theme. Seeing how we were able to acquire Christmas-themed scenery props with the release of the Arctic Pack; I could very well see Frontier utilizing this same technique once again, albeit with the theme being more directed to Halloween:

• - General spooky/Halloween-themed scenery props.
• - Carved out pumpkin props (because why not).
• - Flexicolor glass, and one-way glass barriers.
• - Bat silhouette wall decals (a possible hint for a future dlc?).
• - Versatile lighting systems that can directly affect a certain animal’s welfare (aka, a day-night cycle).

Unlike the previous two dlc’s, I am confident that we could see the potential release date for this type of dlc being as early as October 2022. But as we begin to reach the near conclusion of this post. I could very well see this dlc on having an even greater potential of being well received when compared to the other pack ideas. Especially when it all comes down to the creative versatility the pack’s new content can bring for the good of the game as a whole.

* - means that this animal is (somewhat, if not, slightly) confirmed.

 

[Fallax]

Have Frontier said how long they are planning on continuing support for PZ? Is 2022 going to be the last year for DLC or not?

 

[premierfong]

WE NEED A LOT

 

[Great Argus]

Time to reveal the 8 mystery animals and why I chose them!

• The cat-like ghost scarer was indeed, a Fossa! I don't think implementing the Fossa would be all that hard, since they were in Zoo Tycoon Nuts and Bolts-I mean Zoo Tycoon for the XBox. We have three lemur species in the game already, so why not include their arch-nemesis? The Fossa would also be the pack's flagship animal.
• The brown and gold, two-headed creature was a Matschie's Tree Kangaroo (the second head was a joey in the mother's pouch)! Planet Zoo needs more marsupials ("moresupials?"), and I love tree kangaroos! I could see this one as a walkabout animal, and it might be able to get an enrichment bonus with the Koala or Cassowary.
• The clueless sailor wasn't bit by the creature in the shipwreck, he was pinched! By a Coconut Crab, no less! The coco crab would be the pack's exhibit animal, and while some people have suggested that they should be a habitat species due to their size, most of the Coconut Crabs that I've seen in captivity (well, just the one I saw at Sea Life when Claws was a thing) don't get that big. I was considering the Tree Lobster that was found in the game's files, but the Coconut Crab is more fun, IMO.
• The "demon" the sailor encountered was actually a Tasmanian Devil! I did not realize that these were the new "most wanted" animal for Planet Zoo, but glad to know people want them as badly as I do! Also, if the Fossa is the "cat" for this pack, then the T-Devil is the "dog".
• The ground-poking fuzzball was a North Island Brown Kiwi, and if worms were treasure, then he was definitely looking for treasure! I know this isn't the kind of bird people want for Planet Zoo, but they're unique enough that I don't think people will mind their inclusion. Also, potential walkabout species? Anyone?
• The tiny tuxedo men with the eyebrows were Southern Rockhopper Penguins from the Falkland Islands! In the initial draft of this pack, I had the Little Blue Penguin, but I replaced it with the Kiwi for a more unique-looking bird. But then I was having trouble with the last animal in the pack, which was going to be either the Japanese Serow (Japan is an island, too) or the Lowland Anoa, but I wanted to stray away from Asia for this pack as a challenge. I know we already have two penguin species in PZ already, but why not add a third? Especially one with some past Zoo Tycoon street cred! It's a walkabout species like the other two PZ penguins, and gets an interspecies enrichment bonus with the King Penguin!
• The "sea monsters" were Marine Iguanas, specifically their "Christmas" variant. I know Marine Iguanas aren't able to be legally exported to zoos, but at least they can survive in captivity! The Marine Iguana can use the underwater plant feeder, get an enrichment bonus with the Galapagos Giant Tortoise, maybe be a walkabout species, and make that one guy on the Planet Zoo subreddit who wants habitat iguanas very, very happy! I had the Cuban Crocodile in the initial draft of this pack, but I settled on the iguana instead after the reveal of the Spectacled Caiman.
• Last but not least, the "mermaid" the sailor found on the beach was actually a Hawaiian Monk Seal! This is the only Island Excursions species in the pack itself, and was actually the animal that inspired this pack in the first place! Maybe this could be the pack's flagship instead of the Fossa? Maybe. And for the last time, I know they aren't common in captivity, but this is a video game and it really shouldn't matter!

And that'll be all for this pack! I probably won't make another one of these until the next DLC releases. See ya!

Fun fact, all of your choices except the Rockhopper and coconut crab are available as mods and most of them are quite popular too. I think this pack would be pretty well received.

Sloth Bear: I think people wouldn't have been as mad about how many bears we had if this was one of the selections rather than Himalayan brown bear. If they use alpha-planes for the hairs but do so in a way that's optimal and not performance-draining, that would be ideal.
Andean Bear: Same deal as above, should have been a base game animal.

I 100% agree with this. I really don't understand why they chose to add the Himalayan Brown Bear, it's widely touted as the worst and least used animal in the game. The giant burrowing cockroach is probably a close challenger but the bear gets the rap as a real wasted slot.

Maned Wolf: Even if this is "just another canine", it's unique enough that it's a worthy addition.

Should have gotten this fellow instead of Arctic Wolf.

This has been the one problem with the PZ roster, they lean too heavy on similar doubles. Aldabra and Galapagos Giants, Bengal and Siberian, Grizzly and Himalayan Brown, Arctic and Timber, Wandering and Goliath Bird-eater, Brown Snake and Tiger Snake. For everything but the tigers one would have been fine. But for rig purposes we get doubles and reused rigs - Dhole, the notorious Malayan Tapir reskin, multiple spiders and scorpions, Spectacled Caiman, Crested Newt and Axolotl back to back, etc. I'd really rather wait longer between DLC if it meant better variety.

 

[Corangurilla]

This has been the one problem with the PZ roster, they lean too heavy on similar doubles. Aldabra and Galapagos Giants, Bengal and Siberian, Grizzly and Himalayan Brown, Arctic and Timber, Wandering and Goliath Bird-eater, Brown Snake and Tiger Snake. For everything but the tigers one would have been fine. But for rig purposes we get doubles and reused rigs - Dhole, the notorious Malayan Tapir reskin, multiple spiders and scorpions, Spectacled Caiman, Crested Newt and Axolotl back to back, etc. I'd really rather wait longer between DLC if it meant better variety.

I can forgive the double giant tortoises because it’s not uncommon for zoos to have both, and I’m fine with the two tigers due to their different biomes.
Also, Tiger Snake? What Tiger Snake? Did you mean the Death Adder?
Really, I think Planet Zoo’s biggest weakness is the roster of exhibit animals. No cobras, pythons, geckos, or chameleons. Only two exhibits from Asia and they’re both arthropods. We’ve been on an amphibian hot streak since North America.
I did not know that people hated the roach that much. At least he’s something unique unlike the HBB.
Also, I’m curious about which category of animals is to Planet Zoo fans as Anime Swordfighters are to Smash Bros players. I initially thought it was antelopes, then canids, then crocodilians, now amphibians.

 

[Great Argus]

Also, Tiger Snake? What Tiger Snake? Did you mean the Death Adder?

Yes - you can see how much I use those two! Neither are really present outside Australia so...

Really, I think Planet Zoo’s biggest weakness is the roster of exhibit animals. No cobras, pythons, geckos, or chameleons. Only two exhibits from Asia and they’re both arthropods. We’ve been on an amphibian hot streak since North America.

Definitely a shortcoming - the exhibit animal roster as a whole makes no sense.

I did not know that people hated the roach that much. At least he’s something unique unlike the HBB.

Unique but little known and little kept - and to many its a cockroach!

Also, I’m curious about which category of animals is to Planet Zoo fans as Anime Swordfighters are to Smash Bros players. I initially thought it was antelopes, then canids, then crocodilians, now amphibians.

Personally it's arthropods - one spider, one beetle, one scorpion, and the leaf insect would have been plenty. They're hard enough to see as is, we didn't need as many as we got. If we actually had a proper herp selection I wouldn't care so much. But without chameleons, cobras, pythons, geckos, toads... no Caiman Lizard, Frilled Lizard, bearded dragon, agamas, mantellas, giant salamanders... the inverts seem really overdone. Especially as the Titan Beetle, cockroach, and Wandering Spider are not common in captivity at all. And the giant tiger land snail is the invasive Achatina achatina that is classed as a major invasive and illegal to import or own in many countries...

 

[Austin the Sengi]

Now that I have showed off the three new pack ideas to you all. I will now introduce the changes that were made to the four dlc’s that I have previously shared. Which in term, were all made in favor of the direction that Frontier has been seemingly going through; especially when it came to their most recent dlc’s. In addition, there will also be a surprise new dlc that I will explain, in further detail, in a future reply post. But for now, here are the reformatted pack ideas, as you will see in the list below:

Airborne Animal Pack: - (spring/summer/fall of 2023, formerly known as the Avian Animal Pack)
- Andean Condor,

- Hyacinth Macaw,

- Steller’s Sea Eagle,

- Roseate Spoonbill,

- Greater Hornbill,

- Atlantic Puffin,

- Laughing Kookaburra,

- Owl Butterfly (exhibit animal).



Desert Pack: - (summer of 2023)
- Dromedary Camel,

- Sand Cat,

- Collared Peccary, - (if not, then the Desert Bighorn Sheep)

- Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby,

- Desert Rain Frog (exhibit animal).



Tropical Animal Pack: - (spring of 2023 or 2024)
- Ocelot,

- Brown-Throated Sloth, - (probably unlikely, but who knows)

- Red River Hog,

- Mantled Guereza,

- Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo,

- Crocodile Monitor,

- Indian Muntjac,

- Orchid Mantis (exhibit animal).



Mountain Pack: - (winter of 2022 or 2023)
- Spectacled Bear,

- Golden Takin,

- Wolverine,

- Gelada,

- Emperor Newt (exhibit animal).



Anniversary Animal Pack: - (November 5th, of 2023, 2024, or 2025; new)
- Musk Ox, - (represents the Arctic Pack)

- Maned Wolf, - (represents the South America Pack)

- Emu, - (represents the Australia Pack)

- Sea Otter, - (represents the Aquatic Pack)

- King Cobra - (exhibit animal, represents the Southeast Asia Animal Pack)

- Hamadryas Baboon, - (represents the Africa Pack)

- Alligator Snapping Turtle, - (represents the North America Animal Pack)

- Red Deer - (represents the Europe Pack).

 

[Corangurilla]

If Japanese/Chinese Giant Salamanders were added to Planet Zoo, would they work better as habitat or exhibit animals?
They're certainly large enough to work as habitat animals, but they spend most of their time in water and don't move too much. Then there's the matter of their babies, which realistically cannot come onto land.
Since they don't move much, they'd be decent exhibit animals, but their size makes things complicated (just look at the iguanas). And then there's the little problem with having another DLC exhibit amphibian.
So which is better? I kind of want them as habitat species, but the babies, though...

 

[BetoYoung]

If Japanese/Chinese Giant Salamanders were added to Planet Zoo, would they work better as habitat or exhibit animals?
They're certainly large enough to work as habitat animals, but they spend most of their time in water and don't move too much. Then there's the matter of their babies, which realistically cannot come onto land.
Since they don't move much, they'd be decent exhibit animals, but their size makes things complicated (just look at the iguanas). And then there's the little problem with having another DLC exhibit amphibian.
So which is better? I kind of want them as habitat species, but the babies, though...

i believe that the better choice is use them as an exhibit animal, as they spend most of their time in water than in land.

 

[Fallax]

If Japanese/Chinese Giant Salamanders were added to Planet Zoo, would they work better as habitat or exhibit animals?
They're certainly large enough to work as habitat animals, but they spend most of their time in water and don't move too much. Then there's the matter of their babies, which realistically cannot come onto land.
Since they don't move much, they'd be decent exhibit animals, but their size makes things complicated (just look at the iguanas). And then there's the little problem with having another DLC exhibit amphibian.
So which is better? I kind of want them as habitat species, but the babies, though...

Make larger exhibits and we won't be having these issues as much

 

[JigerofLemuria]

I have the distinct feeling that won't be the case but... God damnit, I SO want the next DLC pack to be around flying animals. My zoos feel... Naked without aviaries, to be honest. If we don't have one by Christmas 2022, I'll be madder than an owl at a crow convention!

 

[James Barber]

I hope they will still continue with more DLC's in 2023 as there are so many species still missing for me. If we don't get flying birds, then I hope the game will add in some more other birds like:

- Emu
- Greater Rhea
- Caribbean Flamingo
- Eastern Grey Crowned Crane
- Black Stork
- Pink-backed Pelican
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Scarlet Ibis

But I totally agree, I would love to see many more bird species like Owls, Birds of Prey, Parrots, Hornbills, Sunbittern, Pigeons & Doves etc.

 

[Sarus Crane]

For mammals, I would like to see more Old World Monkeys specifically savannah baboons, mangabeys, and guenons. Both the Patas Monkey and Red-Capped Mangabey are high on my list. Also, I'd like to see more storks such as Asian Openbill and Painted Stork. More birds that would be found in indoor aviaries (to create bird houses) such as Asian hornbills, pheasants, pigeons, and passerines plus some new Eurasian waterfowl species would be great as well.

For newer/updated versions of mods, I'd like to see the Javan Rhino with an improved mosaic skin texture and African Elephants with a brownish-colored variant, and the Indian Elephant with a long tusked bull variant.

 

[Sarus Crane]

I hope they will still continue with more DLC's in 2023 as there are so many species still missing for me. If we don't get flying birds, then I hope the game will add in some more other birds like:

- Emu
- Greater Rhea
- Caribbean Flamingo
- Eastern Grey Crowned Crane
- Black Stork
- Pink-backed Pelican
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Scarlet Ibis

But I totally agree, I would love to see many more bird species like Owls, Birds of Prey, Parrots, Hornbills, Sunbittern, Pigeons & Doves etc.

All of these you mentioned except the Pink-Backed Pelican have been made as mods. You can download them on the Planet Zoo Nexus Mods. They're pretty good and I plan on using them in the future.

 

[Sam R]

Have Frontier said how long they are planning on continuing support for PZ? Is 2022 going to be the last year for DLC or not?

I believe that support runs until 2022, however I wouldn't be at all surprised if Frontier extends this if the DLC packs are still selling well.

There still seems to be a lot of interest in the game (as well there should be) and they can do a lot more with it.

As for Animals I would like to see this list is endless, but have added a few below.

Mammals:
- Andean Bear
- Armadillo (any species)
- Maned Wolf
- Porcupine (any species, rumour has it modders have found a file that references a Porcupine although I can't recall which)
- Smaller Cat Species (Serval, Sand Cat, Ocelot, Pallas Cat, Fishing Cat)
- Spider Monkey (any species)
- Sulawesi Crested Macaque
- Tamarin (any species)
- Tasmanian Devil
- Tiger Quoll
- Tree Kangaroo (any species kept in captivity)
- Wallaby (any species)

Birds:
- Chilean/American Flamingo (either or)
- Emu & Rhea (either or)
- Grey Crowned Crane
- Secretary Bird
- Shoebill
- Vultures (any species although I would quite like Bearded, Egyptian and Griffon)
- Water Fowl (a selection which would then allow them to be modded properly)

Would like to see other kinds of flying birds, but this really depends if Frontier add the mechanics for this, hence the only ones I am adding are the last 2 as otherwise the list would be endless.

Reptiles:

- Asian Water Monitor
- Frilled Lizard
- Perentie
- Philippine Crocodile/Nile Crocodile
- Small Tortoise's (Surprised we haven't had any more added yet to be honest)
- Turtles/Terrapins (Any species)

Fish:
I would take any Fish at this point just so we get Fish in the game.

Amphibians:
List is too long to post.

 

[Great Argus]

I'll pitch some of what I'd most like to see that I think are reasonably likely; for example I think true aquatics are highly unlikely at this point sadly, but I could yet be surprised... pity given the prominence in real zoos, but of course the roster makes perfect sense already. Not.

Anyways:

Common/Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat - the burrow mechanic suits these well, besides being an interesting choice. Don't think it's likely though.

Tree Kangaroo - would really love to see these added, unfortunately I don't think they've got the oomph to make it.

Tasmanian Devil - this one has a good chance I think, it's well known and fairly popular.

Two-toed Sloth - this would easily keystone a pack, they're popular, unique, and buff the South American roster. A very common zoo animal that certainly deserves to be added. Whether they'll make it in I'm unsure. PZ keeps surprising with new rigs so we'll see.

Crested Porcupines - would add a nice bit of diversity and well known. Chances may be good if the found file proves true.

Howler Monkey sp - a large Neotropical primate would be welcome, and a howler would do nicely. Rigs and mechanics are already pretty much good and hypothetically easy to add.

Maned Wolf - the fox on stilts I think is a good choice, and it would round out the canids reasonably. Might be too similar to the Dhole though, unfortunately.

Walrus - Another nice keystone species that is widely recognized and could flex to a variety of themes. Also a nice nod to both ZT and ZT2. The semiaquatics seem to be hit and miss though.

Sea Otter - literally just copy what I just said for the walrus. Sea otters are very popular and I don't doubt their inclusion would be well recieved. They would however require some new rigs and animations, so their inclusion is iffy.

Ratel - Another ZT2 roster that is snubbed, though the European Badger gives a pretty handy rig. Notorious enough it might make the cut.

Serval/Caracal/Fishing Cat/Pallas's Cat/Ocelot - lynx as our sole small cat is a bit sad. Lots of well known and interesting options here that shouldn't be that difficult to add, and the species variety adds flexibility for one to be added.

Red River Hog - bit surprising this one hasn't shown up, given the frequency of which they're kept in zoos. Rig's already there too. But then frequency in zoos isn't exactly Frontier's focus.

Yellow-backed Duiker - yeah, yeah, another antelope. At least this one is rather unlike the ones we already have. Also mixing opportunities with Bongo and Okapi. Not one I'd particularly expect to make it.

Emu - everywhere, well-known, mixable with kangaroos, rig already in place. Enough said.

Kiwi - an unusual rig again but would be great to get. They're unique and well-known, and besides we need more birds. Burrowing mechanics would suit them, even if a little over the top.

Gentoo/Rockhopper Penguin - easy to rig, popular, and the King Penguin can actually have some company. Chances might be decent here.

Waterfowl - would be nice just from the standpoint of how ubiquitous they are. A larger species or two would be most welcome. Don't have to give it flying mechanics.

Secretarybird - crane rig gives me some hope the long-legged raptor might still make it. A unique pick that would represent the raptors even if aviaries never happen. Not to mention the ZT2 nod.

Saddle-billed Stork/Shoebill - if a stork is going to make it chances are it's going to be one of these two. Maybe Marabou but the other two look more appealing. We shall see.

Ground Hornbill - unusual but they're fairly common and shouldn't be too hard to rig. Not holding my breath though.

Exhibit species - Ah Frontier, what was the reasoning behind what we've got so far here. Too many things wrong with the exhibit roster. Hands down needs - python, chameleon, small monitor, cobra. Why these four have not appeared yet is beyond me. We can have four spiders but no chameleons or cobras? Invert representation is nice but it's overdone - if I want something deadly on display give me King Cobra or Gaboon Viper, not wandering spider! (If I'm not mistaken wandering spider is not on display anywhere outside SA at least - for good reason too I think.)
Lots of species I would like to see added here but at minimum something from each of the four groups mentioned. Need more visible and actually realistic species in the exhibit roster.

There's lots more species I'd like to see added obviously, but those are most of the main ones that have some chance I think. But then too Frontier has been an oddball in choosing the roster so I'm not holding my breath on anything!

 

[JigerofLemuria]

I've written a series of posts I'll publish here in intervals, thinking about better alternatives to much-criticized animals. So, without further ado...

Top 5 crocodilians that would have been a better choice than the spectacled caiman

Yeah, everyone has been on the hate train about them and, honestly, I feel it has ruined crocodilians in Planet Zoo for many; people do NOT want anymore of them; such a shame it couldn't have been…


5. Black caiman (Melanosuchus niger): although many have expressed doubts at having more than one species of caiman in the game, I believe the larger size of the black caiman can better contrast it with the Cuvier's dwarf caiman. However, even though it's a greatly beloved species, and in an iffy conservation status which is always a plus, what's keeping it down in N.5 is the fact that it may be visually too similar to the American alligator.


4. Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer): Planet Zoo has always prided itself on focusing on endangered animals; the critically endangered pangolin was one of the very first animals to be added, and the recent conservation pack has greatly emphasized this. So it's a bit surprising that they only have one endangered crocodilian species, being the Gharial. So, as you'll see, all the species of this list are vulnerable or worse on their IUCN status. Medium-sized, critically endangered and surprisingly intelligent and terrestrial, the Cuban crocodile could fit the bill quite well, although it may be a bit too similar physically to the saltwater crocodile.


3. Dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis tetraspis): people have clamored for an African crocodile for a while, especially for the Nile crocodile. While I can understand this request, I feel the Nile is basically the same size and generally same build as the saltwater crocodile, and I believe another, smaller and rarer species, would fill the bill much better. Enter the much beloved dwarf crocodile, a vulnerable species of reduced size that would make a great exhibit for an African jungle zone.


2. Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis): Even though some may see both species of alligators in the game as overkill, I feel that the many differences between the Chinese and American species can compensate for it; one's large, the other's small. One's seen as least concern, the other is critically endangered. Also, both live in more temperate climates, and two crocodilians with less exigent temperature requirements can be quite rewarding for someone aiming to save money on heaters.


1. West African slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus): it just fills all the right spots; it's medium-sized, representative of Africa, critically endangered and somewhat obscure, which would have been a great aspect from an educational point of view. Plus, it would better distribute the body shape distribution of this family; two longirostrines (gharial and slender-snouted croc), two brachyrostrines (American alligator, dwarf caiman) and one slap dab in the middle (Saltwater crocodile). This would have been a far better choice overall, and I doubt anyone would have expressed any opposition to this inclusion.

 

[Corangurilla]

I've written a series of posts I'll publish here in intervals, thinking about better alternatives to much-criticized animals. So, without further ado...

Top 5 crocodilians that would have been a better choice than the spectacled caiman

Yeah, everyone has been on the hate train about them and, honestly, I feel it has ruined crocodilians in Planet Zoo for many; people do NOT want anymore of them; such a shame it couldn't have been…


5. Black caiman (Melanosuchus niger): although many have expressed doubts at having more than one species of caiman in the game, I believe the larger size of the black caiman can better contrast it with the Cuvier's dwarf caiman. However, even though it's a greatly beloved species, and in an iffy conservation status which is always a plus, what's keeping it down in N.5 is the fact that it may be visually too similar to the American alligator.


4. Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer): Planet Zoo has always prided itself on focusing on endangered animals; the critically endangered pangolin was one of the very first animals to be added, and the recent conservation pack has greatly emphasized this. So it's a bit surprising that they only have one endangered crocodilian species, being the Gharial. So, as you'll see, all the species of this list are vulnerable or worse on their IUCN status. Medium-sized, critically endangered and surprisingly intelligent and terrestrial, the Cuban crocodile could fit the bill quite well, although it may be a bit too similar physically to the saltwater crocodile.


3. Dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis tetraspis): people have clamored for an African crocodile for a while, especially for the Nile crocodile. While I can understand this request, I feel the Nile is basically the same size and generally same build as the saltwater crocodile, and I believe another, smaller and rarer species, would fill the bill much better. Enter the much beloved dwarf crocodile, a vulnerable species of reduced size that would make a great exhibit for an African jungle zone.


2. Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis): Even though some may see both species of alligators in the game as overkill, I feel that the many differences between the Chinese and American species can compensate for it; one's large, the other's small. One's seen as least concern, the other is critically endangered. Also, both live in more temperate climates, and two crocodilians with less exigent temperature requirements can be quite rewarding for someone aiming to save money on heaters.


1. West African slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus): it just fills all the right spots; it's medium-sized, representative of Africa, critically endangered and somewhat obscure, which would have been a great aspect from an educational point of view. Plus, it would better distribute the body shape distribution of this family; two longirostrines (gharial and slender-snouted croc), two brachyrostrines (American alligator, dwarf caiman) and one slap dab in the middle (Saltwater crocodile). This would have been a far better choice overall, and I doubt anyone would have expressed any opposition to this inclusion.

Eh, while I’m not terribly happy with the spectacaiman, I’m not outraged over it, either. It hasn’t ruined crocodilians for me, but I can see why it has for other people.
Even if it’s another caiman, Frontier always manages to make their crocodilians look good (save for a few issues with the saltie, but those are negligible), so it’s at least better than the HBB. I still would’ve preferred the Cuban Crocodile, but the spectacaiman can stay.
All in all, good list. What other animals do you have alternatives in mind for? Arctic Wolf? One of the many Antelopes? Whatever you choose, please leave my boys Wild Water Buffalo and Proboscis Monkey out of this.