Frontier Developments’ Planet Zoo 2 is releasing this October, and its new animal behaviors will be the star of the show. That’s why the developers have started sharing “Animal Spotlight” episodes. Having kicked things off with the African Leopard, Frontier Developments’ latest Animal Spotlight is putting all eyes on one of the animals that needs an aquarium: The Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark.
This new developer series breaks down some of the game’s animals with profiles that explore their unique “true-to-life” behaviors debuting in the upcoming park management sim. The series also serves as a first look at the game’s new animals. Players waiting to become Park Managers when the game releases on October 13th can start planning now.
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Earlier this year, we got a hands-off look at the gameplay and said, “I came away very impressed from this limited Planet Zoo 2 preview. With the release still a couple of months away, I am sure there are still plenty of new features and animals to showcase… The Frontier team proved with Jurassic World Evolution 3, which landed a spot in our Top Games of 2025 list, that they understand how to build for a franchise’s future by honoring what players loved in the past. ”
What can players expect from the Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks?
Also known as Zebra Sharks, Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks have pups that often feature striking stripes that mimic those of venomous sea snakes to ward off would-be predators, or, well, zebras. Since Planet Zoo 2 showcases the maturation of animals, choosing to highlight an animal that changes visually from a pup into a full-grown adult just makes sense.
As Leopard Sharks grow into adulthood, they lose their stripes, developing long tails and sleek, spotted bodies, making them among the most recognizable in the world. The habitat that you will have to build must be large, allowing the animal to have enough space to swim and float above, while open patches of sand will help the Leopard Shark find the perfect spot to rest.
More than just beautiful cartilaginous fish, Leopard Sharks have a gentle and curious nature, and are keen to explore every nook and cranny of their habitat. While this shark is sure to wow guests, it’s important to understand that these sharks are typically most active at night.
Watch the Animal Spotlight
What do we know about Planet Zoo 2 so far?
A park management sim at heart, Planet Zoo 2, zookeepers are tasked with constructing beautiful habitats where species can fully interact with their environments. You can check out a list of the new game’s upcoming features here:
- New Animals: For the first time, aquatic and flying animals are added, which adds even more to the diverse set of animals available for players – and so are their new habitats.
- Aquariums: Players will build custom freshwater or saltwater aquariums to house aquatic animals.
- Aviaries: Players will also be able to build and customize aviaries using barriers, support poles, and dynamic mesh covers, allowing birds to fly freely and safely.
- Habitats: Construct beautiful habitats where your animals can thrive as they authentically interact with the world around them. In Planet Zoo 2, animals are outfitted with all-new animal behaviors, making the game even more immersive than the first.
- Immersion: From high-fidelity fur, feathers, and scales to authentic breathing, Frontier has been known for its dedication to investing in bringing animals to life (and dinosaurs in other games).
- Wildlife Reserves: Players can take conservation outside their zoos by restoring natural habitats and releasing animals into Wildlife Reserves, expanding conservation’s importance ot the franchise.
- Frontier Workshop: The beloved Frontier Workshop will help the community build together.
What is the release date for Planet Zoo 2?
Are there pre-order bonuses?
If you’re looking for more decorations, from today, players who pre-order will receive the Bonus Content Pack at launch, which includes the Toucan Eat Shop and Signage, three Unique Animal Donation Bins, and the Tiger Photo Stand-In Wall.
Players looking to go all out can pre-order the Planet Zoo 2: Deluxe Edition, which bundles the base game with the Planet Zoo 2: Deluxe Upgrade Pack. The Deluxe Upgrade adds six additional animal species (golden eagle, axolotl, golden lion tamarin, blue and gold fusilier, hammerhead shark, long-fin batfish) from
across the globe, as well as a selection of exclusive animal signs to decorate their park to match the animals included (minus the axolotl).
