Key Highlights

Ready to expand your zoo? Here’s a quick look at what the Americas Animal Pack brings to Planet Zoo:

• Welcome seven amazing new animals from the American continent to your parks.
• Get creative with over 80 new scenery pieces inspired by rustic southwestern architecture.
• The animal pack introduces the elegant ocelot, the adaptable coyote, and the vibrant American flamingo.
• Test your zoo management skills with a brand-new campaign scenario set in Mexico.
• Enrich your habitats with unique items designed for your new species.

Introduction

Welcome back, zookeepers! If you’ve been looking for fresh inspiration for Planet Zoo, your wait is over. Frontier Developments is taking us on a journey across the pond with the Americas Animal Pack, the 21st DLC for the beloved zoo simulation game. This exciting expansion is packed with new creatures, stunning scenery, and a challenging new campaign scenario that will test your abilities. Prepare to bring the diverse wildlife of the Americas right into your guests’ backyard.

Overview of the Americas Animal Pack DLC

The latest animal pack from Frontier Developments invites you to explore the vast and varied American continent. This DLC enriches the core Planet Zoo experience by adding a host of new species that roam from the icy wilderness of the North to the lush rainforests of the South.

Beyond the new animals, the pack includes a wealth of decorative items and a brand-new timed scenario to conquer. It’s a comprehensive package designed to offer new creative avenues for builders and fresh challenges for management-focused players. Let’s look closer at when you can get it and what it includes.

Release Date and Availability

Mark your calendars! The Planet Zoo: Americas Animal Pack was officially released for PC players on April 15th, 2025. This launch continues the developer’s commitment to providing regular content updates, keeping the game fresh and engaging for its dedicated community. This marks the 21st DLC for the game, a testament to its enduring popularity.

The announcement generated considerable excitement, arriving shortly after the launch of Planet Zoo: Console Edition. While this specific DLC is for PC via Steam, its release signals ongoing support for the franchise as a whole. Players on all platforms can likely look forward to more content in the future.

This release was also accompanied by a free patch for all Planet Zoo players, which includes new flower scenery and blueprints. This means that even if you don’t purchase the DLC, you still get a little something new to enhance your zoos.

DLC Pricing and Download Details

Getting your hands on these new American animals is straightforward and budget-friendly. The Americas Animal Pack is available for purchase and download directly through the Steam store, integrating seamlessly with your existing Planet Zoo game. The pricing is consistent with previous animal packs, making it an accessible addition for most players.

The cost is set at $9.99 in the United States, with regional pricing available for players around the world. While specific download sizes can vary slightly due to updates and patches, animal packs for Planet Zoo are typically manageable and don’t require a massive amount of hard drive space. You can easily add this DLC to your collection by wishlisting or purchasing it directly from the Planet Zoo store page on Steam.

New Animals Introduced in the Americas Animal Pack

The heart of any animal pack is, of course, the animals! This DLC introduces a fantastic host of new species from across the Americas. You’ll be able to adopt seven incredible new animals, each bringing its own unique charm and set of needs to your zoo. From the social bush dog to the elusive ocelot, these additions are sure to captivate your guests.

Prepare to build new habitats for the highly intelligent coyote, the recognizable bighorn sheep, and the imposing greater rhea. These creatures represent the rich wildlife found from the deserts of North America to the vibrant rainforests of the South, offering a wonderful new set of challenges for you to tackle.

Species Highlights and Unique Behaviors

This animal pack delivers a diverse lineup that represents various ecosystems. You’ll get to care for species with fascinating behaviors, adding new life and energy to your zoo. Players have largely praised the selection, noting that it fills some much-requested slots for North and South American fauna.

The announcement trailer, available on the official Planet Zoo YouTube channel, gives you a beautiful first look at these animals in motion. You can see the sleek ocelot prowling through its habitat and a flock of flamingos adding a splash of pink to the landscape.

Here are the unmissable new species you can welcome:

• The Elegant Ocelot: A small, elusive wildcat from South and Central America.
• The Greater Rhea: One of the largest birds in the Americas, related to the ostrich.
• The American Flamingo: A vibrant, social bird known for its iconic pink plumage.
• The White-Faced Saki: A mischievous monkey from the rainforests.
• The Adaptable Coyote: A clever and cunning canine native to North America.
• The Cunning Bush Dog: A small, social hunter found in forests and wetlands.
• The Bighorn Sheep: Instantly recognizable for its massive, curved horns.

Community Reactions to the New Additions

Community feedback on the Americas Animal Pack has been varied. Many players expressed excitement over the new animals, particularly the coyote and ocelot, which were frequently requested species. The initial YouTube video for the announcement trailer garnered positive reactions, with fans eager to incorporate these creatures into their zoos.

However, after the release, some players on platforms like the Steam forums shared more mixed opinions. While the animal selection is appreciated, some feel the pack is a bit “lacklustre” and doesn’t introduce groundbreaking new features compared to previous DLCs. It’s seen by some as a nice-to-have pack for diversifying a zoo rather than a must-buy.

Unfortunately, the launch wasn’t without its issues. Players quickly reported a few bugs, including one where the greater rhea gets stuck in a “T-pose,” which can lead to the animal starving. Another reported issue involves an old inspector bug reappearing in the new scenario, preventing players from achieving higher medal tiers.

Scenery Pieces and Habitat Enrichment Features

Building beautiful habitats is just as important as caring for the animals, and this DLC delivers. The Americas Animal Pack comes with over 80 new scenery pieces to spark your creativity. This exclusive collection is heavily inspired by the architecture and decor of the American Southwest, giving your zoo a rugged, rustic charm.

You’ll find everything from large structural items like ranch gates and ironwork window guards to smaller decorative touches like wall lanterns and a mixture of flags. These new scenery pieces allow you to create truly authentic and immersive environments for both your new animals and your guests.

Enrichment Items and Customization Options

Beyond the structural elements, this pack adds a vibrant splash of color and culture to your zoo’s customization options. The enrichment items and decorative pieces are designed to help you build immersive guest areas and habitats that reflect the spirit of the Americas.

These pieces allow for a high degree of customization. You can create festive market areas with paper flowers and vibrant fabrics or build classic ranch-style entrances with new gates and wooden elements. This exclusive collection of scenery pieces provides new tools to tell a story with your zoo design.

Here are some of the new items you can use:

• Ranch Gates: Perfect for creating an authentic southwestern entrance.
• Ironwork and Wooden Beams: Add architectural detail to your buildings.
• Wall Lanterns: Illuminate your paths with a rustic glow.
• Paper Decorations and Flags: Bring a festive, colorful atmosphere to any area.

Designing Authentic American Habitats

With these new tools, you can design authentic habitats that truly capture the essence of the American continent. The 80+ new scenery pieces are exclusive to this animal pack and are specifically tailored to create environments for the rich wildlife introduced. Are you building a rocky enclosure for your bighorn sheep? The new stone and wood pieces will be perfect.

The goal is to mirror the diverse ecosystems of North, South, and Central America. You can construct a sprawling, arid landscape for the coyote with a rustic southwestern feel or a dense, humid forest enclosure for the ocelot and bush dog. The iconic shape of the new ranch gates and the texture of the wooden beams help ground your designs in a specific, recognizable aesthetic.

Ultimately, these items empower you to move beyond generic enclosures. They provide the specific building blocks needed to craft detailed, believable micro-habitats that celebrate the part of the world these amazing animals come from.

Campaign Scenario and Gameplay Challenges

For players who love a good challenge, the Americas Animal Pack includes a brand-new campaign scenario. This special mission takes you to a scorching Mexican backdrop where you’ll team up with the notorious Dominic Myers. Your objective is to help him turn a fledgling operation into a thriving, world-class zoo.

This scenario introduces a fresh set of objectives that will test your planning, management, and problem-solving skills. You’ll need to balance animal welfare, guest happiness, and financial stability to succeed. It’s a great way to put your zookeeping abilities to the test with the new content.

Special Missions and Objectives

The new campaign scenario offers a series of special objectives focused on building a successful zoo from the ground up in a challenging climate. Working alongside Dominic Myers, you’ll be tasked with specific goals that push you to utilize the new scenery pieces and care for the new animals featured in the pack.

Your missions will likely involve achieving certain levels of animal welfare, reaching specific guest happiness ratings, and maintaining profitability under pressure. The Mexican setting adds an extra wonder to the experience, forcing you to think about heat management and how to keep both animals and guests comfortable in a hot, arid environment.

However, some players have reported that this scenario is affected by a recurring inspector bug. According to feedback on the Steam forums, inspectors may fail to visit the zoo, making it impossible to complete certain objectives and achieve the gold medal. This is something to be aware of before you begin this new challenge.

Impact on Player Experience

So, how does this DLC affect the overall player experience? For creative builders, the 80+ new scenery items offer a fantastic new toolkit for crafting beautiful, themed zoos. The rustic aesthetic is a welcome addition and provides ample opportunity for fresh designs. The seven new animals also significantly expand the roster, giving you more choices for your habitats.

For management-focused players, the new campaign scenario provides a solid, if potentially buggy, challenge. The task of building a zoo in Mexico with Dominic Myers adds a new narrative-driven goal to the game. However, the question of whether the animal pack is “worth it” has received mixed answers from the community.

Many feel it is a decent but non-essential DLC. If you are passionate about the specific animals included or love the southwestern building style, it’s a great purchase. If you were hoping for revolutionary new gameplay mechanics, you might find it a bit safe. Ultimately, its value depends on what you’re looking for to enhance your Planet Zoo experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Americas Animal Pack in Planet Zoo offers a delightful expansion that enhances both gameplay and player creativity. With its unique animal additions, authentic habitat design options, and engaging campaigns, this DLC truly enriches the gaming experience. Players can not only enjoy the thrill of creating immersive environments but also engage with new challenges that test their skills. The community’s positive reception speaks volumes about the pack’s impact on enjoyment and replayability. If you’re looking to elevate your Planet Zoo experience, diving into the Americas Animal Pack is a fantastic choice. Don’t miss out on the fun—try it out today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Americas Animal Pack DLC worth buying for Planet Zoo?

This animal pack is worth it if you love the new animals offered or are excited by the rustic, southwestern building theme. While it doesn’t add new mechanics, it provides great content for diversifying your zoo and includes a new campaign scenario for an extra challenge.

Are there any exclusive habitats or items found only in this DLC?

Yes, the Americas Animal Pack includes an exclusive collection of over 80 new scenery pieces. These items, such as ranch gates, ironwork, and festive decorations, are only available with this DLC and are designed to complement the new animals and help you build authentic American-themed habitats.

What feedback have players shared about the Americas Animal Pack?

Player feedback is mixed. Many love the new species and building pieces, but some find the pack a bit “lacklustre” compared to others. There have also been community reactions highlighting bugs, such as the rhea getting stuck and an issue with the new scenario’s inspectors.