In the latest animal spotlight for Planet Zoo 2, Frontier Developments introduces the Shoebill, the dinosaur-like giant of the African wetlands. This will be the first time players can add this majestic bird to their zoo.
If you’ve never seen a Shoebill before, you might think it belongs in the Jurassic period due to its large, distinctive bill, which it uses to greet others with a clatter. It has a calm demeanor and stands like a statue in shallow water.
In Planet Zoo 2, the Shoebill is a great addition for guests to view due to its peaceful nature, as it is not an easily overwhelmed animal. As mentioned in the aviary spotlight, Shoebills will be one of the birds that can build a nest and raise young. This bird makes a good parent, raising one chick at a time and tending to it carefully.
The spotlight describes how wild Shoebills live in wetlands, marshes, and slow-moving waters in eastern Africa, so players will be able to build similar habitats for them in their zoos. They can also be observed living in a wildlife reserve, which is a new feature coming to Planet Zoo 2; wildlife reserves will allow players to take their conservation efforts beyond the walls of the zoo.
You can watch the full animal spotlight for the Shoebill in the video below.
For more information about the animals coming to Planet Zoo 2, you can check out the spotlights for aviaries and other birds as well as other African animal species.
Planet Zoo 2 releases on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on October 13, 2026.
Players who pre-order the game can get a bonus content pack, which includes an exclusive Toucan eat shop and signage, three unique animal donation bins, and a tiger photo stand-in wall.
