Parents' Guide to

Zoo Tycoon 2

By Jinny Gudmundsen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

An outstanding zoo simulation game!

Game Windows 2004
Zoo Tycoon 2 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

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What’s It About?

The challenge of ZOO TYCOON 2 is to build cool zoos that can sustain themselves as a business. As with all simulations, there is a learning curve before kids can jump in to start building and running their zoos. But with this simulation, the learning curve is terraced by three hands-on tutorials that teach children how to control the game, how to construct the zoo, and how to obtain important information about the zoo so that they can make it better. Thirty animals are available and each requires a specific habitat to be built; kids will find 10 biomes and hundreds of objects available including exhibit materials (plants, trees, foliage, rocks, ground cover, and animal-appropriate toys), themed buildings, guest attractions, and landscaping items.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (29 ):

This excellent sequel to Zoo Tycoon boasts new 3-D graphics and friendlier tools to help build the perfect habitats for animals. Not only do kids get to design and build their own dream zoos, but now they can walk around in them in a first person perspective. Kids can even take on the role of the zookeeper to feed, water, and groom the animals. Players can show off their zoos by taking "photos" of what's happening and then share the photos with friends and families.

Zoo Tycoon 2 is an exciting way to learn about animals and the business of running a zoo. It's a software title that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages as well as adults.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the different styles of play. Do you prefer free-form exploration of the game, or the campaign and challenge modes? Why?

Game Details

  • Platform: Windows
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Microsoft
  • Release date: December 6, 2004
  • Genre: Simulation
  • ESRB rating: E
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

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