Vet Research
Vets can conduct research into any species currently inhabiting the zoo. To undertake this research, the vet requires a functioning research centre and access to the habitat containing the species to be researched. Vets are assigned to research in the Vet Research page by selecting a vet, then selecting a research topic.
Vets must be available for research and only one vet can be assigned to a given topic at any given time.
Vets will visit the species of their research and return to the research centre to study their findings. This process takes time and a vet may need to visit a staff room to take a break. They can also be called to a higher priority task unless research has been set as their only available task type. Vets that have been called away from their research will return to it when they can.
Vet research can unlock the following items for the researched animal:
- Enhanced food options.
- New enrichment toys.
- New enrichment feeders.
- Improved breeding programmes.
- Increased education levels for animal talks, education boards, education speakers and audio guides.
- Fun facts in the Zoopedia.
Each animal has its own research chain and as the vet researches more levels, new items will be unlocked. The length of the chain is defined by the species being researched with more complex animals having longer chains.
Once a research chain has been complete, the vet can be left to complete advanced research on the animal. This will provide a boost to a zoo's education rating.
Disease Research
In addition to researching species, vets are also able to perform research into animal diseases. This is handled in a similar way to species research except that diseases can be researched at any time, even if they are not present in the zoo. Researching a disease will help to reduce its impact and to improve treatment time.
Mechanic Research
Mechanics can conduct research into new facilities and zoo utilities. To undertake this research, the mechanic requires a functioning Workshop. Mechanics are assigned to research in the Mechanic Research page by selecting the mechanic, then selecting the research topic.
Mechanics must be available for research and only one mechanic can be assigned to a given topic at any given time.
Mechanics will visit the Workshop to undertake their research. Only one mechanic can use a Workshop at a given time. This process takes time and a Mechanic may need to visit a staff room to take a break.
They can also be called to a higher priority task unless research has been set as their only available task type. Mechanics that have been called away from their research will return to it when they can.
Mechanics can research the following topics:
- Improved facilities.
- New shop types and brands.
- Scenery themes.
- Scenery blueprints (once theme has been researched).
- New transport rides.
- Shelters and climbing frames.
- New barrier types.