Planet Zoo 2 unveils animal emotion system in first Feature Focus

Frontier Developments released the first episode in its Feature Focus series for Planet Zoo 2, concentrating on animal behaviour and a new emotion system. The video, titled “Awe-inspiring Animals”, uses a lioness named Zuri to illustrate how the feature works.

The studio presented a welfare model that tracks factors such as social interaction, environmental quality and enrichment. Animals will display moods that reflect those tracked needs. In the demo, a neglected animal lacking enrichment, food or clean water appears lethargic and unhappy. An animal with its needs met shows a wider range of natural actions.

The video shows animals moving beyond fixed animations to behaviours tied to the welfare model. Zuri arrives unsettled and gradually settles as her habitat and husbandry improve, demonstrating how mood changes when the environment and care are adjusted.

Frontier explained that players research species to learn their requirements. That research then affects park reputation and donation income. Those funds can be used for breeding programs, rehabilitation and planned reintroduction of animals to the wild.

Breeding is demonstrated in the sequence: Zuri pairs with a bachelor named Tao and cubs are expected. The video notes some species breed year-round, such as lions, while others are seasonal, including African penguins and saltwater crocodiles. The episode includes a scene referencing a Great Rift Valley reserve where released zebras form a “dazzle”.

The Feature Focus episode concentrates on land animals and ends with a teaser for the next instalment, which appears to focus on aquatic species such as sharks and crocodiles. Planet Zoo 2 is scheduled for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Frontier lists a Standard Edition at £39.99/$49.99/€49.99 and a Deluxe Edition at £54.99/$64.99/€64.99.