Onary Zoos

[MsOnary]

Here I will share what I do in the game.

For now, I have only completed the beginner scenarios, but I have started my own project. Please bear with me, I still have a lot to learn. But I would be very happy to receive any feedback on how I can improve.

 

The concept of my first zoo is based on creating three distinct levels. The animals are located on the first level, services for guests and other main areas on the second, and pedestrian routes on the third. In terms of animals, I tried to keep the herbivores in a relatively common area with invisible fences. I'm not sure I like what I've created, so I don't know if I'll continue. 

Mod List:
x MM Freeform Unlock 1.0.0

x Invisible Fence by Willie T. 1.0.0

x ZZ Rocks - Terrain Stones Expanded Pack 2023 by Z.Z. 1.0.0

 

Edit: The pictures are very small, maybe I use printscreen next time...

 

[Fern]

Okay..... I quite like the concept and it looks great, but it is really going to depend on whether or not you care what the zoo rating and the guest happiness are. If this was a contest it would probably not work. If just for looks it is fine. And also for screens it is fine.

There are waterfall fences you can get for that tiered water area. And cobblestone walls that look good against cliffs.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Guests like to be close to animals. If you look at contest screens you will see that buildings are interspersed with the exhibits.

Guests are notorious whingers and whine about anything and everything. Some bad enough to get fed to a predator if they annoy enough. And yes, most of have done that at one point or another.

Guests can only see 10 deep into an exhibit. This is useful to know for animals that moan about too many people.

You do not need a slope up to the gate. Most animals will moan about elevated terrain they do not want. And you will find the keepers just drop in and get out anyway.

 

Now since I quite like this idea I would tweak the idea this way.

I would use the various levels for habitats perhaps. One level would be savannah. Another level might be rainforest. Another could be Tundra, marine, or whatever. On each level I might choose buildings that fit the habitat. ie for savannah there is a Roaring Lion Retreat. For rainforest there is a Madagascar Amphibian House.

 

Like I said, it depends on what you want from your zoo. Just fun or as a challenge to skills getting all the various ratings. Not to mention the various awards.

 

edit: Just looking again, I see at least most buildings are close enough for guests to view some animals which is a plus.

 

 

[MsOnary]

OMG, that was a very detailed feedback! I am very very grateful for it as a beginner who gets lost in the many things to learn. And thanks for the mod recommendations, I'll definitely look into them.

I thought that the zoo should primarily look good (I don't even dare to dream of a contest), but if I can pay attention to such technical issues as the needs of animals and visitors, then I should learn that as well. I understood a lot from your answer now. I've already looked at a few contest pictures, but if you don't yet understand what you need to look at, it's difficult to draw good conclusions. I'll be watching with that kind of eyes now.

And in the case of "slope up to the gate", I was not satisfied with the solution, I am glad that it is not necessary.
Sometimes the many possibilities and things to learn make me a bit insecure and discouraged, but I try to take baby steps and not be too critical of my results. I need to keep this in mind before I give it all up.

So wow, thank you, your feedback means a lot to me!

[Fern]

We all had to learn at some point. It was ages before I entered contests or joined a club. I think the first contests I did were screenshot only ones so happy animals and guests did not matter.

Like making your craft critters ZT can be a relaxing meditation. You can get absolutely lost in creating what you want in design and tweaking it all you like.

On the whole I like your screens. You will learn how to refine them as you go.

Have a look through the tutorial area here at Tek. You will find useful hints and ideas to try out.

Here is another useful idea.

If you don't want unhappy guests you can keep them out until you have a nice area for them to view. Just use a Decorative Fence across the entrance to stop them getting in. Also hike up the admission costs for a while. As you build you can block paths until the areas are good enough to see. Decorative fences work for that too. Also stops guests wandering off into the wilderness. There is always one that seems to stray.....

I have kept guests in a small area that had a restaurant, gift stand and an attraction plus a couple of animal exhibits while I built the entire rest of the zoo. Was able to keep all ratings up doing this.

[pukkie]

Of course you can dream about playing in a contest MsOnary

Your screens look very nice to me so I'd say your basisc are well covered

 

Basically if a contest has a nice theme that appeals to you

It is all about the fun ..... And after the fun when you are still within the deadline what's the harm of sending it in?

 

The award is not the winning it is the fun with the game that is the best award

 

Also you could join one of the clubs (perhaps the one Fern is in lol I can see she gives great feedback )

then you get to play with other members and that will double your fun