Creature Feature: Aquariums
In this closer look at a new feature coming to Planet Zoo 2 we're all about aquariums, so let's suit up and splash into a brave new aquatic world!
Hayo Zookeepers!
It's time for another of our Creature Feature articles where we take a little bit of a closer look at a new feature coming to Planet Zoo 2.
This time we're all about aquariums, so let's suit up and splash into a brave new aquatic world!
More than a fishbowl
Aquariums are a brand new habitat type coming to Planet Zoo 2 alongside the debut of fully aquatic animals. After all, these animals needed a suitable place to live!
Our goal with aquariums was to work them seamlessly into the other construction and management tools you will already be familiar with from across the Planet series.
Building an aquarium is very similar to building a terrestrial habitat, with options to customise your barriers, their size, orientation and height. Once you've placed your barriers, pop an aquarium staff gate on and connect to your path network so your staff can gain access to care for your animals and keep the aquarium itself spic and span. You can even customise the colour tone of the water within your aquarium to match your preferences.
Of course, aquariums in Planet Zoo 2 can also be constructed using ready to use blueprints, with loads of options available both out of the box and from across the Planet Zoo 2 community through the Workshop.
The Goldilocks zone
Aquatic animals require many of the same considerations as terrestrial animals, such as access to food, appropriate space (volume of water within the aquarium) and a suitable environment.
However, as aquatic animals, the salinity of the water is also critical to their welfare, for example animals found in saltwater in the wild will not be able to survive in freshwater conditions.
You can manage the salinity of your aquariums through a network of water filters which attach to your aquariums to supply water. These can be configured to provide appropriate water conditions for freshwater, saltwater and brackish animals.
You'll also have to consider the temperature of the water when building aquariums, as different animals have their own preferences for temperature. This can be controlled directly through the staff gate attached to your aquarium, along with other options including the aquarium's lighting.
Keeping it crystal clear
Keeping your aquariums clean and well maintained will be important for both your animal's welfare and the experience of your guests.
Dirty aquariums will make it harder for your guests to see your animals and can even negatively impact your animal's health by increasing their likelihood of developing disease.
Your water network will help to keep your aquariums full of clean water, but your staff will also need to occasionally suit up and go for a dip to clean the windows!
Aquariums will also need maintenance if you want to reduce the chance of them springing a leak, with different barrier types offering varying levels of protection against cracks appearing.
Crafting spectacular views
For your guests to truly appreciate your aquatic animals, it'll be important to build aquariums that give them a good view of the animals inside.
A fantastic way to do this will be with aquarium tunnels. By adding a guest gate to your aquarium you can build a tunnel through the water which will give your guests an amazing view, as if they were under the water itself.
Just like with terrestrial habitats, the barriers of your aquarium can also be modified to give your guests the best view possible including using one way glass or creating concave and convex areas.
Building up
Unlike terrestrial habitats, a significant component of aquariums is the variation in height you can build within your zoos.
Complex multistory or subterranean aquariums can be constructed to add a huge degree of variation to your zoos, while still providing your aquatic animals with a comfortable home. Aquarium tunnels can also be built at different heights within your aquarium, providing your guests with multiple perspectives.
Creative players can even use invisible habitat barriers and scenery to build naturalistic spaces for their aquatic animals to live in.
The life aquatic
Aquariums and aquatic animals bring a whole new dimension of zoo management and creativity to Planet Zoo 2, opening brand new ways for you to build a wilder world this October.
With so many new options, we can't wait for you to get your feet wet and start sharing your creative aquariums and zoos!
Keep an eye on the sky as we'll be back soon to talk about our new flying friends.
Planet Zoo 2 is available to pre-order now on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Join the conversation and keep in touch by following our social channels, subscribing to our mailing list (for an exclusive in-game reward) and watching closely for updates on the website.
