My advice, with experience and hindsight, is to start with a collection of domestic animals that appeal to children. There are many domestics that are colourful and active. It does not need to be a 'petting' zoo, but a few animals that can be touched by small children, would not go astray. Small sheep, goats and pigs, maybe. When, or if, this enterprise proves to be successful, and earns money, which you save for later, then you have a decent base to begin to introduce a few 'zoo type' species, beginning with animals that do not cost a lot of money to acquire, and that do not cost a lot to feed, house, and maintain. If you start with a small area of ground, then you should plan to expand in the future, so need to know that the land will be available for you to do this. A decent income is what you should be aiming for, and the more you can save for the future, the better. Remember, that the the more you grow, the more it will cost to maintain. Young children are just as happy seeing a domestic animal, than they are seeing a 'zoo type' species! The other advantage, will be gaining experience with handling the public, and finding out what they would like to see in the future, as well as time to gain knowledge of legal aspects, permits etc,. Bear in mind that requests to see big cats, elephants, and other such species that cost a lot to house and maintain, should only be considered for the distant future, when your income is enough for these species to be considered. Getting started is the most difficult first step! You will need money, money, and more money!
