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/ Genres / Strategy / Zoo Tycoon

Zoo Tycoon

Windows - 2001

Zoo Tycoon takes the classic “city-building” strategy game gameplay and transplants it to the design and operation of private zoos. Additionally, it adds a more-than-thin veneer of educational value by including write-ups on the dozens of animals available and mechanics that reward matching species with their appropriate environments. The results are a fun, if somewhat fiddly, experience.

Your goals are two-fold in Zoo Tycoon: create enclosures that would make your animals content and offer amenities to keep your guests content. The latter perhaps has undue weight, as your zoo is principally funded by ticket revenues and concession sales. The resultant zoos are an amusing paradox: animal habitats will be far more natural and enrichment-filled than what you would see in a typical zoo, while the spectacular theme park trappings also exceed what would be deemed acceptable or appropriate with a typical zoo. Of course, this is because most accredited zoos operate on public and private grants, donations, trusts and taxes rather than stuffed animal sales and elephant rides.

The most time-consuming part of gameplay is tweaking your enclosures: while there is immediate feedback from animals in the form of increases and decreases to their happiness, the detailed “keeper” report refreshes more slowly, which can lead to the biggest in-game waste of money, especially since you have to build exhibits around animals rather than planning them in advanced [though someone who has mastered the game can certainly ballpark it]. Filling your park with amenities to keep guests happy is much easier, and you're far less prone to waste your money on screw-ups.

Overall, Zoo Tycoon is a fun game that will appeal to planners, strategists and city-builders. There several scenarios available with a wide range of difficulties and challenges on top of the many free-play maps available. One major drawback is the lack of a “campaign” game, where one might string together a career as a successful park manager.

Review By P. Alexander

Comments and reviews

GREATIDIOT 11 Oct. 2026

It's the complete edition version?

0
Couize 14 Aug. 2026

The French version here - https://www.abandonware-france.org/ltf_abandon/ltf_jeu.php?id=3112

-1
M 16 Apr. 2026

Another update: the crash was one time, I played all night last night and it went all good!! Game saves good and I can play my saved game. I LOVE ITT!!!

3
M 16 Apr. 2026

Ok update if I put grass or something in my park the whole thing crashes and close. Pffttt I can't play it!

1
M 16 Apr. 2026

I finally got it working on my MacBook yes!! But how to get it full screen?

0
KASUMI65 04 Jul. 2025

SEAN : the disc files can be in multiple formats : bin/cue (as here), nrg, mdf/mds, img/ccd/sub, b6t/b6i... and the most common are bin/cue and iso. For that, 2 possibilities :
- convert bin/cue into iso by using a software like Anyburn and then, double click the iso to mount
- use an image manager such as DAEMON Tools to mount it (mount the cue file) and other formats

1
sean 22 May. 2025

why does the english version not have the iso?

0
Angie 02 Jan. 2025

I downloaded this game. Installed and played via Deamon tools. But then i get "Not Supported" and a blank screen. There is sound but no picture. Zoo Tycoon 2 works on my computer but not this one. What could be the problem?

1
ddd_101 25 Aug. 2024

Thanks for the game!!

0
testing testing 01 Aug. 2024

make zoo.ini file read only,
fullscreen=0
resolution 1900x600
worked for me. But you have to change mouse speed manually

-1
supreme 22 Jul. 2024

this comment is from the zoo tycoon complete collection but ill post it here just incase it works, havent tested it with this version of the game tho, but ill post just in case it works for someone.

it seems the game doesn't run due to fullscreen and resolution.
to get the game to run, open zoo.ini and change the resolution, i use 1280x720.
1024x768 also works, 1920x1080 and 1600x900 didnt work for me.
you can mess with it and find other resolutions that work.
you can also turn fullscreen off by setting it to 0 that also works.

no need to change to xp compatibility or change the zoo.exe to zoodemo.exe

0
ash 18 May. 2024

I used DAEMON Tools for Mac and was able to get this installed successfully, and the disk is mounted, but when I click "play" it says I need to "insert the cd-rom." any advice?

1
anon 04 May. 2024

Hey please make it without the iso version thank you

0
Moe 05 Apr. 2024

Honestly, I'm really surprised I was even able to get this working! I'm not really a tech guy and definitely had quite a few issues trying to sort everything out. I ended up using both WinBin2Iso and WinCDEmu to get it running properly. Super thankful I was able to relive some great childhood memories with this :)

2
bre 27 Jan. 2024

ok so i downloaded just fine the first time but now this second time its not even looking the same when downloaded the marina part doesn't even show its nothing like the first time at all this time i cant figure out how to download it cant even get to the setup/download screen all the files are different
same computer as the first time and everything

0
Marcus 06 Jul. 2023

Hat bei mir ohne Probleme oder nachladen irgendwelcher dll`s funktioniert. Guter Download! Danke!

1
Old Men 2001 01 Jul. 2023

Ich hoffe das Ich dieses Spiel KOSTENLOS bekomme auf Windos 10. Weil das ist ein super Spiel .

-1
lex 24 Jun. 2023

This doesn't work, don't waste your time.

-2
Kas 26 May. 2023
Top comment

Guys you don't need Demontools. You can just use WinRAR.

Open the ISO with WinRAR then drag all of its contents into a new folder (named something like "Zoo Tycoon setup"). Run the file called SETUP and go through the installer.

After that the game should be available to play, HOWEVER I ran into two problems which I've fixed.

ERROR: "The code execution cannot proceed because ilj15.dll was not found"
SOLUTION: Download the missing file from here and drop it into your Zoo Tycoon folder (not the setup one, the one with the game in): https://www.dlldownloader.com/ijl15-dll/

IF THE GAME CRASHES ON START UP / DOESN'T LOAD: Right-click zoo.exe, select the Compatibility tab, tick "Run in compatibility mode for" and then select Windows XP (Service Pack 3) in the drop down menu. That loaded the game up perfectly fine for me.

6
karma 25 May. 2023

I mounted the game with Daemon and ran the installation process, but when I click play it still says "Cannot start Zoo Tycoon!". Was wondering if anyone can help me fix this?

0
human 18 May. 2023

this game is really scarey DO NOT remove pieces of the fences of exhibits from wild animals such as lions because the lions will escape and kill the tourists in the zoo! you have been warned.

-1
ledk 10 May. 2023

eu tenho esse jogo em portugues ele foi lançado no brasil SIM porem tem poucas unidades em portugues

0
barknuckle 27 Mar. 2023

i remember getting this game in my cereal

0
CK 19 Mar. 2023

Downloaded and can play, but the challenges won't complete once I finish them. The checks come up on the trophy page, but the pop up that say I've completed it won't register :( anyone else have a similar bug?

0
Mastercaptain747 26 Feb. 2023

Downloaded it perfect on my 2021 MacBook , from the unique instructions given in the comments. every time I try to save my game it crashes , any suggestions ?

0
emokidvirgil 17 Jan. 2023

havent played it but i think i will like it

-1
aaaaa 27 Oct. 2022

no lo he jugado pero se ve bueno, diganme sus opiniones aserca de este juego plss

-1
hollowboness 19 Aug. 2022

how does this work :( whats a cue file and what is daemon

1
Miss_strawberry_moo 10 Aug. 2022
Top comment

Saw Wilbur Soot play this game and now I wanna play it too but I don't fully understand on how to install this. Does anyone have any good tutorials or so?

38
Lili 07 Aug. 2022

Don’t use Daemon, it installed malware on my computer. Hopefully there’s an alternative because the game is great

2
Cpt. Nemo 23 Jun. 2022

To use the Bonus Animals from Misc downloads, put the ZTD files in the Updates folder of the game directory, and the lang.dll files in the main game directory. However, the reindeer's lang.dll seems to be corrupt or otherwise doesn't load properly, so you won't be able to see the animal's description inside the game.

-3
ari 09 May. 2022

i need step by step, i have no idea what im doing, can someone help the steps here i dont understand

3
joe 21 Apr. 2022

works perfectly epic

-1
SHAA AZUNABURU 03 Feb. 2022

Thanks to comments, I can confirm working 2022.
I had 'No CD error'. To resolve, mount CD1 and go through install, point the install to your installation directory, and it will say it needs 0mb to install. Then go through the installation process.
Do the same for CD2(Marine) mount and run the setup/install, point it to your installation directory, it will say it needs 0mb, run the installation, then you can play.
I dont know why we would need to install each time, but it works, and only takes 5 mins overall. Make sure to save/load your progress. (backup saves are always good idea)

2
macusernewbie 28 Oct. 2021

I figured it out! The no cd issue-- To start off, I'm running this game on a 2021 Macbook Air using Daemon Lite and Crossover. First, I downloaded the install file from here and mounted it using daemon tools lite. That part is pretty simple. You'll see that it's a .cue or .bin file, so the only way I could use it was by getting daemon tools. I then downloaded Crossover. With Crossover once you've mounted the file in daemon tools, you can install it. This part y'all can follow the tutorials for. After that, here's where it get's funky. The game will install but it won't play because you need to insert a CD. For this part, download the no CD patch file. Unzip it, it's a .exe file. Then in CrossOver, you have to open the "bottle" for zoo tycoon, double click it and select open the c drive, then go to Users folder and click Crossover, then find the windows applications and open zoo tycoon. From there, you should be able to find the .exe file that matches the name of the patch file and delete it, then you replace it with the .exe patch file. It MUST be the file that has the exact same name, I believe this one is "zoo.exe". Voila! It should run. Y'all that took me two days and endless googling to figure out. But it worked finally! :)

3
MARIOFAN09391939 12 Jul. 2021

where is CD-ROM?

-2
JAY 09 Jun. 2021

can't do Shift+4 for more money,please fix it :(

-4
Dini 12 Apr. 2021

Hey it isn't compulsory to download deamon tools to play the game right?

1
Cenerentola 05 Apr. 2021

Downloading and installing the game worked just fine, mounted it with deamon. But now, as soon I click on "play" nothing happens at all. The window disappears and thats it. Any help? Am using Win 10

4
Birchy902 16 Feb. 2021

So I've uploaded the game, installed it by mounting it to Deamon tools and running the full install. Get to the section that says "play game" and it just crashes. On Windows 10. I have absolutely no idea how to get passed the final stage :(

4
Ava 17 Jan. 2021

I love zoo tycoon

0
saimsn 16 Sep. 2020

@the french girl, you wrote its obligate to click on quick mount before every launch. Which file do I have do mount?

-4
xxcawsc 17 Aug. 2020

nice thank you

-4
null 12 Jul. 2020

nevermind, i found the answer. its unlocked through gameplay for anyone wonder.

-1
null 12 Jul. 2020

for some reason i have only 8 animals to choose from and barely any rocks and trees to place. is this a bug or do i need to unlock it through gameplay? what's the deal?

-3
Admiral Moo 07 May. 2020

For anyone having trouble with the game not starting, heres a video tutorial on how to solve the problem in the grand majority of cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhBez_vKxNY

2
Brigi 15 Apr. 2020

kérlek legyempn elérhető appstorba is!

-2
Yann 02 Apr. 2020

I can't mount the image on daemons tools, it does not work (even with the step by step solution ...). Could someone help us out ?

1
sksmsehdgur 01 Apr. 2020

i cant play this game with no disc?

-5
flower 25 Mar. 2020

so I have downloaded the files but when i click on them it doesn't say I can open them!! does anyone have some amazing step by step instructions?

-7
Trashgriffin 15 Mar. 2020

Hello, I own the original game on CD including Marine Mania and Dinosaur Digs. Is there any way I could contribute to this?

2
MJ 26 Feb. 2020

Game is installed.

1. make sure to download all of the files
2. the main file contains the cue file VLC
3. put the cue file out of his original file
4. start up your daemon tolls and click on the button in left bellow named as quick mount.
5. click on de cue VLC. Then a blue disc appears in bellow. click again and you are able to install the game.
6. Have some fun!

2
MJ 26 Feb. 2020

I mounted the cue file in Daemon tools. However it opens the cue file with VLC player and nothing is happening.

Can anyone help me out?
Thanks

1
thestrangesock 21 Feb. 2020

I love this game, put hours into it. just wish they had the dino and marine version of it

1
EREW 21 Jan. 2020

AMAZING GAME

0
Bird 20 Jan. 2020

Spent a lot of time playing this and rollercoaster tycoon. I'd buy this on steam in a heartbeat.

-1
Topa 12 Jan. 2020

Zoo Tycoon 1 is one of the classics I allways loved. But rn I am downloading it so I can download Zoo Tycoon 2, just for more animals..But Zoo Tycoon 1 was the best tycoon game I played.

1
The French girl 14 Nov. 2019
Top comment

If you download Zoo tycoon 1 on internet and you don't have a disk, here is a solution:
Step 1 : Make sure to download the game as a compress folder with a CUE file
Step 2 : Download Demon tool - the software allows you to turn CUE files into disc and create game support
Step 3 : Open Demon Tools. At the Bottom on left, click on "Quick Mount"
-this step is obligate every time you want to launch the game -
Step 4 : The creation of the CD disc is made, you must see the icone when you open 'This PC' , it will be in "Devices and drives" next to "Windows C"
Step 5 : Then run the game installer until the last step
FINAL : Start the game and the problem should be fixed!

==Don't forget to do the step 3 every time you turn off/on your computer to play !

37
DarioDRex 25 Oct. 2019

Can someone tell me how to fix the 'you need to insert disc' problem?

-3
arawie 22 Oct. 2019

this game are best

0
aaa 14 Oct. 2019

why only videos were downloaded??

0
SPINOZILLA1954 10 Sep. 2019

EXTINCT AND DINOSAUR

1
Davan2019 25 Aug. 2019

Even though I already installed and mounted the file it's still asking me for the disk to play what do I do?

0
rexx 19 Jul. 2019

No se como instalar el juego podrían ayudarme?

2
Shan420 04 Jul. 2019

THIS WEBSITE IS SO COOL. Finding all my old childhood games on here!

4
wng 02 Jul. 2019

yay it works hope it doesn't give me cancer later

1
Rhys 26 Jun. 2019

I love this game

1
Hipertor 01 Jun. 2019

SEVERAL visual aspects on the IU and objects in-game from the classic game are VERY different in these screenshots. Is this some kind of remaster?

1
Cristina 18 May. 2019

Great download. Mounted it using daemon tools lite and it worked on the first try. THANK YOU!! This used to be my favorite game growing up, so it's really great to be able to play it again.

3
BILAL 08 May. 2019

I LOVE THIS GAME

1
abbster707 19 Apr. 2019

How do yall get it to work? im not too tech savy. Is it similar to downloading mods for the sims 4?

4
COBRA 30 Mar. 2019

Been gaming since 200, can't get enough

1
Mollie 17 Mar. 2019

Works great for me using WinCDEmu to mount the cue file. This is only disc one of the complete collection, so I think no marine or prehistoric creatures.
Thank you!! Please add disc 2 if you can.

2
tom.mcnair.lloyd 15 Dec. 2018

I hope I get ZOO TYCOON not zoo tycoon 2

3
mrpenguinb 16 Nov. 2018

The game has DRM, you have to download a crack/no cd patch in order for the game to work. Or else you could re-enable Secdrv (SafeDisc) DRM in Windows.

0
indian cowboy 24 Oct. 2018

it doesn´t work! I can´t open it and it makes me really sad, I waited an hour to play it but it doesn´t work :(
I try it again and I hope now it´ll work

1
Milkyway 04 Oct. 2018

I pay warframe,
and this is STILL one oof my favourites. Thank you for the easy download!

0
jonas 03 Sep. 2018

So I downloaded the file and it has 2 files in it, a .bin and a .cue what do I do?

0
Milky 19 Aug. 2018

Thank youuuu, I love this game so much

0
Civlit 11 Aug. 2018
Top comment

hmm is there a way to get the dino/marine park from "disc two" installed also?

19
daksh 24 Jul. 2018

wonderful game

1
Sharkie 19 Jul. 2018

I'm downloading now & I think this is will make someone creative

1
Civlit 10 Jul. 2018

got the game downloaded, mounted, installed and ran, on ingame loading page after intro movie clips it auto closes with "a problem has caused blahblah stopped working" :|

2
df 10 Jul. 2018

Thank you

0
SWETHA 29 Jun. 2018

Thank you

2
Fatu 24 Jun. 2018

It's a perfect game for me.I love it

1
k.prabhu 19 Jun. 2018

thanks

1
Rob 16 Jun. 2018

Didn't work here, don't know how to make it :/

0
romario 08 Jun. 2018

thanks

0
nun 01 Jun. 2018

this is gonna give my computer cancer isnt it?

0
øl og sprit 25 May. 2018

thanks

0
moomoo 22 May. 2018

thanks

-1
shreejith 05 May. 2018

Thank you

0
Cha 18 Apr. 2018

Hi there! I am on mac using PlayonMac to run games such as heroes 2 or AOE 2, it works fine but I can't seem to be able to install zoo tycoon, could anyone help? thx

0
Lokia 15 Apr. 2018

I've been trying to get this to work, I'm at a loss... HELP!

0
BrforDath 07 Apr. 2018

NIce game

1
JOCKEY 06 Mar. 2018

GOOD

1
Victor 16 Feb. 2018

Thanks

-1
ruben 30 Jan. 2018

thanks

0
Stripes 25 Nov. 2017
Top comment

You have to mount the .cue file with a program such as Daemon tools to install and while you play.

26

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Downloads

Windows version
ISO Version
United Kingdom English
567 MB
ISO Version
Germany German
460 MB
ISO Version
Spain Spanish
463 MB
ISO Version
Italy Italian
463 MB
ISO Version
Netherlands Dutch
470 MB
ISO Version
Brazil Portuguese (Brazil)
463 MB
ISO Version
Sweden Swedish
460 MB
ISO Version
Taiwan Traditional Chinese
471 MB

Extras

Manual Manual 4
Extra file
Windows 7 MB English English
Extra file
Windows 11 MB Czech Czech
Extra file
Windows 14 MB Dutch Dutch
Extra file
Windows 9 MB Traditional Chinese Traditional Chinese
Patch Patch 2
Patch 10.12
Windows 767 KB English English
patch 10.9
Windows 621 KB English English
Misc Misc 2
Bonus Animals
Windows 29 MB English English
Bonus CD with Add-ons
Windows 70 MB Czech Czech
NoCD NoCD 1
Extra file
Windows 719 KB English English

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