As in other Zoo Tycoon sim games, there are lessons about money, development, and animals. While it is not “learning” software, players can learn a great deal from it. As in previous titles, players work to build a “5-star” zoo, earn money and have as many animals as possible without causing chaos. Along the way, there are lots of facts about animals and wildlife conservation. Game challenges and milestones include getting animals, building exhibits, encouraging reproduction, making your zoo visitors happy, managing your funds, hiring staff, and enhancing your zoo. Some variables can be controlled (like building) and some can’t (animal behavior) until you learn more about the animals. To “win,” players must complete all the challenges (on time and within budget) and achieve a “5-star” zoo. Veteran Zoo Tycooners found this to require more thought and accomplished problem solving skills than others in the series. With kudos to the very realistic looking marine animals (dolphins, sea otters and whales, oh my!) testers proclaimed the game full of obstacles—“that’s what makes it fun!”

NOTE: Marine Mania is an expansion pack and requires Zoo Tycoon 2 to play.