Financial Management in Planet Zoo

Just a quick guide on how you can better manage your money.

Financial Management

Initial Structuring and Planning

Before building, it’s important to plan the zoo’s layout.

• Set a Budget Limit

Decide how much to spend at the start, especially on habitats and basic infrastructure. Don’t build expensive habitats if you have few visitors, as profits will be low initially.

• Start Small and Grow Gradually

Opt for basic habitats and animals that don’t require costly maintenance. Some smaller animals are popular with visitors and don’t need heavy investment upfront.

Strategic Animal Selection

Animals are the main attraction and a primary source of income, but they’re also a significant expense. Here are some tips for choosing financially viable animals:

• Animals with High Popularity and Low Maintenance Costs

Zebras, flamingos, tortoises, and meerkats are examples of popular animals that attract visitors but don’t require specialized habitats.

• Invest in Breeding to Save Costs

When your animals breed, you can sell the offspring for extra revenue or use them to replace older animals, saving on new purchases.

Habitat and Structure Maintenance

Maintenance is key to avoid costly repairs and keep visitors and animals happy:

Hire the Right Number of Mechanics and Veterinarians

Having too many staff can quickly drain your budget. Start with a small team, only adding more as the zoo grows.

• Avoid Unnecessary Renovations

Instead of building new habitats, make small upgrades or expand existing ones. This saves on materials and allows for space reuse.

• Use Durable Barriers

Choose strong barriers like concrete for robust animals and wood or glass for smaller species. This reduces frequent repair costs.

Pricing and Marketing Settings

Entrance fees and donations are important revenue sources. Adjust prices and promote the zoo to attract more visitors:

• Entrance Fees

Set a reasonable entrance fee. For a small zoo, start with lower fees, increasing them as you add new animals and attractions.

• Encourage Donations with Strategic Donation Boxes

Place donation boxes near popular habitats, as visitors tend to donate more when they’re entertained.

• Seasonal Marketing Campaigns

Run marketing campaigns occasionally to bring in new visitors, but avoid overspending. Short, targeted campaigns—like for a rare species—can yield good returns.

Staff Management

Staff members are essential for smooth zoo operation but also represent ongoing costs. Control expenses with these tips:

• Moderate Salaries and Training

Well-trained staff are more efficient and can handle multiple tasks. However, train gradually to avoid quick payroll increases.

• Set Task Routines for Veterinarians and Trainers

Create specific routines for them to focus on priority areas, such as high-traffic habitats, and avoid unnecessary travel, saving time and money.

Additional Attractions for Increased Profits

Besides habitats, other attractions can also generate income and enhance the visitor experience:

• Shops and Restaurants

Place souvenir, food, and drink shops near popular habitats to take advantage of foot traffic and increase sales.

• Guided Tours and Educational Areas

Create interaction zones where visitors can learn more about animals through information panels and talks. This boosts satisfaction and encourages donations.

Continuous Monitoring

To keep the zoo financially healthy, regularly review the finances:

• Use the Finance Panel Regularly

Check revenue, expenses, and analyze areas where costs could be reduced. Financial reports help identify costly areas.

• Review Habitat Performance

Some habitats might be less popular or costly. Consider removing or replacing animals that don’t bring significant returns.