Zoo Tycoon is a business simulation game developed by Blue Fang Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios in 2001 for Windows and Mac. Players are tasked with building and managing a functioning zoo, balancing the needs of animals and visitors while working to turn a profit. Core gameplay involves constructing enclosures, acquiring animals, and maintaining the facilities necessary to keep both creatures and guests satisfied. The game proved successful enough to spawn two expansion packs — Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs and Zoo Tycoon: Marine Mania, both released in 2002 — as well as a full sequel, Zoo Tycoon 2, in 2004. A Nintendo DS port followed in 2005. The title is regarded as one of the more accessible entries in the tycoon simulation genre, offering a family-friendly take on zoo management.
