Planet Zoo: Zookeepers Animal Pack

Planet Zoo: Zookeepers Animal Pack is a downloadable content (DLC) expansion developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on October 15, 2024, for the PC version of Planet Zoo, this pack introduced seven new species: the Pallas's cat, Hamadryas baboon, Markhor, Spectacled bear, African spurred tortoise, Kirk's dik-dik, and Coquerel's sifaka. The expansion also featured a new timed scenario titled "The Mane Event," set in a European zoo celebrating Planet Zoo's fifth anniversary. This DLC was part of a series of themed expansions that enriched the game's content and appeal to a broad audience.

The Zookeepers Animal Pack was inspired by the diverse ecosystems and wildlife found across various regions, aiming to bring attention to these unique habitats and the species that inhabit them. The addition of these animals allowed players to create more varied and realistic environments within their zoos. The pack also introduced over 95 new scenery pieces, including zookeeper-themed decorations and a new avatar costume, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and customization options for players. These features were part of the free Update 1.18, which also included new gameplay elements such as the addition of a jelly cake enrichment item for animals and a community challenge event celebrating the game's anniversary.

The Zookeepers Animal Pack was well-received by the Planet Zoo community and critics alike, praised for its attention to detail and the depth it added to the game's simulation. Players appreciated the realistic animal behaviors and the creative possibilities offered by the new building materials and enrichment items. The DLC was promoted through trailers and developer diaries, highlighting the new features and the challenges they introduced. Its success continued the trend of releasing themed expansions that enrich the game's content and appeal to a broad audience.