Frontier has announced that Update 1.7 will be coming to Planet Zoo on October 4, along with the North America Animal Pack, the game's second DLC to forgo new scenery in favor of more animals. The free update will add several new features including new mapping tools, further swimming changes, and some quality of life adjustments. Its accompanying DLC includes seven new habitat-based animals as well as an exhibit animal.
The North America Animal Pack enhances your range of habitat animals with the American Alligator, American Beaver, Arctic Fox, Black-tailed Prairie Dog, California Sea Lion, Cougar, and Moose. They are joined by the American Bullfrog, an exhibit animal that is one of the largest frogs in North America.
These new animals will need to be looked after and the pack also includes a range of new enrichment items including a pinata, a skittle feeder, an underwater feeder, and a beaver pool. You can build habitats for them in the new timed scenario, set in the foothill of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Update 1.7 is also bringing some new features to the game that will enhance the player experience. Scenario Zoo maps will be available in Sandbox Mode, with and without the existing builds, and new "sculpted" variants will be added to all biomes. Just make sure to add some water to the terrain for your big cats, since Jaguars, Bengal Tigers, and Siberian Tigers will all be able to partake in Deep Swimming after this update.
Crowds can also be controlled with new seating areas for animal talks, as well as the addition of kerbs and barriers for paths. These should help you better control the flow of guests throughout your park. You'll also be able to add more dynamic scenery to footpaths and habitats alike with random scenery placement, which rotates items such as foliage and rocks after each time they are placed.
The final features of the patch are related to the games UI and Zoopedia. Animal Management and Animal Market shortcuts will be added to the Zoopedia, along with habitat space requirements and biome filters. You'll also be able to access Quick Trade from the Animal Management screen, saving you a trip to the Trade Center.
Planet Zoo North America Animal Pack will be available on Steam from October 4. Patch 1.7 will be available for free download on the same day.