Hayo Zookeepers!
We're back with the second of our Let's Build series, where we asked a few members of the Planet Zoo community to build some beautiful new animal habitats in Planet Zoo: Console Edition.
Missed last week's edition, where SimplySavannah built spotted hyena, red panda and African elephant habitats? Catch up here.
This week we're featuring three habitats created by nature enthusiast aniix.
Anika, better known as "aniix" on YouTube, runs a channel where she plays games inspired by animals and nature. She enjoys creating habitats or zoos in unconventional ways in Planet Zoo.
We asked aniix to build habitats for the giant panda, reticulated giraffe and Bornean orangutan, and asked about the inspiration behind her builds and any tips for Planet Zoo beginners.
Giant Panda Habitat - Taiga Biome
Annix kicked things off with a gorgeous giant panda habitat, including a stunning pagoda-style shelter.
Where did the inspiration for your habitats come from, did you use any real-life zoo/habitats?
To gather inspiration for my habitats, I usually look at a number of references. I usually search up images online of the architectural features I want to copy. A real zoo I always feel inspired by is the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Both parks absolutely nail the theming, and it's something I like to incorporate into my builds.
What was the most important thing for you when designing your habitats?
The most important thing to me when designing a habitat in Planet Zoo is to have a focal point. It can be a building or a really large tree, but there should always be something that you notice immediately.
Do you have any tips/tricks for those starting their zookeeping journey with Planet Zoo: Console Edition?
For someone starting out as a new player in Planet Zoo, it can be a little intimidating with all of the options you have. The best advice I have is to start small - build for an animal that doesn't have a lot of space requirements, because filling in that smaller space is a lot less daunting than staring at a big empty field. And don't be at all afraid to delete things. If you're unhappy with something, you can always start over! The final build you'll see from me usually goes through some drastic changes before I send it out to the world. Lastly, don't feel discouraged if something doesn't come out the way you want it to. You'll always be learning, even as you become more skilled. Keep practicing, look at references, and you'll become an excellent builder!
Reticulated Giraffe Habitat - Savannah Biome
For the next habitat, aniix created a giraffe habitat with a viewing platform - listen out for a handy tip on keeping your animals visible to guests.
Out of all the habitats and zoos you have ever built, which is your favourite?
It's hard for me to pick just one favorite habitat out of all of them, but if I had to choose one... It's probably my wisent habitat from my "Ultimate Eurasia Zoo". It's a massive habitat that has a little stream running through it. I also am really proud of the shelter I made for the wisent. And the view you get from the bridge that crosses the habitat is super fun.
How did you find the console experience when building your habitats?
Building on console was very different in many ways to Planet Zoo on PC. It took a bit of getting used to, I did have to play a few of the tutorials! But once I got used to it, playing with the controller was really fun and relaxing.
What would you say is your favourite Planet Zoo DLC, and your favourite animal in the game?
My favorite DLC for Planet Zoo is the Europe Pack. It's really hard to choose just one, but I find myself using the Europe Pack pieces so much. My favorite animal out of all of the ones in Planet Zoo has to be the giant anteater. They are such silly creatures, but are somehow gorgeous at the same time
Bornean Orangutan Habitat - Rainforest Biome
Finally aniix wrapped up with a stunning two tiered Bornean orangutan habitat, featuring three waterfalls, a climbing frame and a treehouse for the orangutans to live in!
What do you think your fellow zookeepers will be most excited for in Planet Zoo: Console Edition?
I think the most exciting thing about the console edition is that it brings the game to so many more people. I know there's a whole crowd who've been waiting for it since day one. I also think you all will be excited to be able to finally build a zoo without having to get out of bed, I know I am.
Which of the habitats out of the 3 you were given was your favourite to build?
My favorite of these habitats I built on console has to be the one for the giant panda. I love the majestic teal colored structure, the moat, and all of the greenery. It looks so magical.
What's the best thing about being part of the Planet Zoo community?
I love being a part of the Planet Zoo community. Everyone is so creative, and there's so much to learn from all of these fantastic builds that the community shares. I've had the pleasure of making great friends in this community through little competitions, collaborations, or even debating which animals we want to see in the game.
A round of applause to aniix for these stunning habitats! Pay annix's YouTube channel a visit here for more inspirational builds in Planet Zoo.
Join us next week for the final part of our Let's Build series as we take a look at some habitats from PawsBuild.
Planet Zoo: Console Edition is available to buy now on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
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