Planet Zoo 2: All Animals List by Habitat Type

Planet Zoo 2 launched on October 13, 2026 with 123 confirmed animal species spanning four distinct habitat types. That's already a substantial roster, and Frontier Developments has signaled the list will keep growing. The breakdown is worth knowing before you start building, because each habitat type demands different enclosure infrastructure, and some species double up across categories in ways that will surprise you.

How many animals are in Planet Zoo 2?

Here's the short answer: 123 species are confirmed as of the latest update, with the most recent six added on September 29, 2026. Those additions were the Bactrian Camel, Common Ostrich, and Wild Boar for land habitats, the Threespot Damselfish for aquariums, and the Monarch butterfly and Moon Jelly as exhibit animals.

The roster breaks down across four habitat categories:

• Terrestrial Habitat Animals (51 species)
• Aquarium Animals (34 species)
• Exhibit Animals (29 species)
• Flying Habitat Animals (9 species)

Insects appear for the first time in the series, sitting in the exhibit category alongside reptiles, amphibians, and spiders. Fully aquatic species and birds are also new to Planet Zoo 2, which is why you'll need aquarium tanks and netted flying habitats that didn't exist in the original game.

Zoopedia species browser

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All terrestrial habitat animals (51)

These are the land animals you'll spend most of your time managing. They live in standard fenced habitats and cover everything from big cats and bears to crocodiles and tortoises. Note that the African Penguin sits in this category despite being a bird, because it doesn't fly.

The mistake most players make early on is treating all terrestrial animals as interchangeable. A Sumatran Tiger and a Plains Zebra have very different space, temperature, and social requirements. Check the Zoopedia entry for each species before you commit to a habitat build.

All aquarium animals (34)

Aquarium species are fully aquatic and require dedicated tank enclosures. Several of the smaller fish can also be displayed in exhibit tanks, which gives you more flexibility when space is tight. The two sharks (Blacktip Reef Shark and Great Hammerhead) and the Ocean Sunfish are the headline draws here, but the West Indian Manatee and Hawksbill Turtle are also standouts for players who want something less expected.

Aquarium tank setup

All flying habitat animals (9)

Flying species need covered, netted habitats so they can actually use their wings. There are only 9 confirmed at launch, but they include some genuinely striking choices. The Shoebill and Secretarybird are fan favorites, and the Golden Eagle and White-Tailed Sea-Eagle both feature as releasable animals in multiple Wildlife Reserves.

• Eurasian Bittern
• Golden Eagle
• Great Hornbill
• Long-Eared Owl
• Secretarybird
• Shoebill
• Toco Toucan
• White-Backed Vulture
• White-Tailed Sea-Eagle

All exhibit animals (29)

Exhibit animals are the smallest species in the game, housed in enclosed display cases rather than open habitats. Planet Zoo 2 is the first game in the series to include insects, and that category alone adds several species that were never possible before. Butterflies like the Monarch, Menelaus Blue Morpho, and Old World Swallowtail sit here alongside tarantulas, scorpions, beetles, and a centipede.

Exhibit animal enclosure

Which animals can be released to Wildlife Reserves?

Not every animal on this list is releasable. Wildlife Reserves have specific species lists tied to their continent and biome, and some animals remain locked until you reach a higher accreditation level. Planet Zoo 2 has 6 Wildlife Reserves at launch across Africa, Europe, and Asia. For a full breakdown of every reserve and which species qualify for release, check the complete Wildlife Reserves and releasable animals guide.

What's missing from the roster?

Frontier has confirmed the Zoopedia is still a work in progress. Several animals from the original game, including the Cheetah and Polar Bear, have not been confirmed for Planet Zoo 2 yet. Given the studio's track record with the first game and Jurassic World Evolution, paid DLC packs and free updates will almost certainly expand the roster post-launch.

The research system also plays a role in unlocking additional content tied to the animals you already have. For a full picture of how that works, the Planet Zoo 2 research guide covers all 4 research types and 217+ topics.

FAQ

How many animals are in Planet Zoo 2 at launch? 123 species are confirmed as of the latest Zoopedia update, across terrestrial, aquarium, flying, and exhibit habitat types.

Does Planet Zoo 2 have insects? Yes. Insects appear for the first time in the series as exhibit animals. The launch roster includes butterflies, beetles, a leaf insect, and more.

Can all animals be released to Wildlife Reserves? No. Only specific species qualify for each reserve, and some are locked behind accreditation levels. The Wildlife Reserve system is separate from standard zoo management.

Will more animals be added after launch? Frontier has described the Zoopedia as a work in progress and the studio has a strong DLC track record, so more species are expected. No specific additions have been confirmed beyond the current 123.

For more tips across every mode, browse the full Planet Zoo 2 strategy guides collection.