Research Tree & Unlocks

Navigate Planet Zoo's Research Tree effectively. Unlock new animals like the okapi, upgrade enrichment items, and improve habitat suitability for a 5-star zoo .

The Research Tree is your primary method for expanding your zoo's offerings, improving animal welfare, and unlocking advanced facilities. Mastering its intricacies is crucial for long-term success and achieving a 5-star rating. Unlike simple purchases, research requires dedicated staff and time investment. This section will guide you through optimizing your research efforts.

Understanding Research Categories

Research in Planet Zoo is divided into several key categories, each managed by a specific type of researcher. Prioritizing these categories based on your immediate needs and long-term goals is essential.

• Animal Welfare Research: Conducted by Veterinarians. Focuses on improving animal health, unlocking new enrichment items, better habitats, and advanced medical treatments. Early unlocks here include the Small Animal Enrichment Ball and the Basic Water Dish.
• Habitat & Construction Research: Conducted by Mechanics. Unlocks new building materials, habitat barriers (e.g., Reinforced Glass Barrier, Concrete Barrier), facility blueprints, and utility improvements. Essential for expanding your zoo's infrastructure.
• Guest Experience Research: Conducted by Educators. Focuses on improving guest satisfaction, unlocking new shops, food stalls (e.g., Burger Bar, Souvenir Shop), educational displays (e.g., Information Boards), and entertainment options.
• Conservation Research: Conducted by Conservationists. Unlocks advanced breeding programs, genetic diversity tools, and conservation credit bonuses. This category becomes vital in the mid-to-late game for sustainable zoo management.

Optimizing Your Research Workflow

To maximize your research output, follow these actionable steps:

1. Hire Dedicated Researchers: As soon as your budget allows, hire at least one Veterinarian, Mechanic, and Educator. Assign them to a Research Center building. You can find the Research Center blueprint under the Facilities & Staff Buildings tab.
2. Prioritize Early Animal Research: For your initial animals (e.g., Springbok, Warthog), immediately assign your Veterinarian to research their specific needs. This will quickly unlock crucial enrichment items like the Scratching Post and Hay Feeder, improving their welfare and increasing guest appeal.
3. Habitat Barrier Progression: Early in the game, focus your Mechanic's research on unlocking stronger and more aesthetically pleasing habitat barriers. Start with the Chain Link Fence, then progress to the Glass Barrier for better guest viewing, and eventually the Reinforced Concrete Barrier for larger, more dangerous animals.
4. Guest Amenity Unlocks: Once you have a stable animal population, direct your Educator's research towards essential guest amenities. Prioritize the Restroom, followed by basic food and drink stalls like the Hot Dog Stand and Drink Kiosk. These will significantly boost guest happiness and income.
5. Targeted Research for New Animals: Whenever you acquire a new animal species, immediately assign your Veterinarian to research its specific needs. This is critical for preventing welfare issues and ensuring the animal thrives in its new habitat. For example, when introducing a Grizzly Bear, research will unlock the Large Log Pile and Fish Feeder.
6. Utilize the Research Management Panel: Access the Research Management Panel (usually found via the main menu or a dedicated icon). Here, you can see all available research projects, their progress, and assign researchers. Always ensure your researchers are actively working on a project.
7. Advanced Research for Efficiency: In the mid-game, focus Mechanic research on utility upgrades like the Advanced Power Generator and Large Water Treatment Plant to efficiently power and supply your expanding zoo.
8. Conservation for Long-Term Goals: Once your zoo is stable and profitable, begin investing in Conservationist research. This will unlock advanced breeding techniques and increase the conservation credits you earn, which are vital for acquiring rare animals and achieving global conservation goals.

Key Unlocks and Their Impact

Here's a table highlighting some critical unlocks and their immediate benefits:

Research Project	Researcher Type	Benefit	Early/Mid/Late Game
Small Animal Enrichment Ball	Veterinarian	Increases animal welfare for small species.	Early
Reinforced Glass Barrier	Mechanic	Allows for better guest viewing of larger animals, improved security.	Mid
Burger Bar	Educator	Provides a popular food option for guests, increasing satisfaction and income.	Early/Mid
Advanced Power Generator	Mechanic	More efficient power supply for larger zoos, reducing maintenance.	Mid/Late
Animal Contraception	Veterinarian	Manages animal populations, preventing overbreeding and genetic issues.	Mid/Late
Information Boards	Educator	Educates guests, boosting their happiness and conservation rating.	Early/Mid

By strategically managing your research, you'll ensure a thriving zoo, happy animals, and satisfied guests, paving your way to a legendary Planet Zoo experience.