Microsoft Game Studios today announced that the “Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania”* expansion pack has gone gold. Making waves on store shelves Oct. 17, this newest addition to the award-winning “Zoo Tycoon 2” franchise lets gamers of all ages turn their dream zoo into an aquatic adventure. From Blue Fang Games, LLC, this new, E10+ rated expansion pack introduces 20 new marine animals into the “Zoo Tycoon 2” experience, including green sea turtles, black tip reef sharks and West Indian manatees, for $29.99. Watch an orca breach the surface of its tank, while dolphins teach each other new tricks. In addition to building new captivating tanks, gamers can also customize their own aquatic shows, teaching animals to entertain zoo guests and increase their zoo ratings.

New scenarios and challenges allow players of all ages and skill levels to test their aquatic expertise, such as rescuing marine animals, restoring their health and releasing them back into the wild. Children and parents alike can broaden their knowledge of the animal kingdom with the exclusive Zoopedia feature, with excerpts from Encarta®, that educates gamers on the dietary and habitat needs of the animals. Also available at retailers on Oct. 17 will be the “Zoo Tycoon 2: Zookeeper Collection” featuring three franchise favorites: “Zoo Tycoon 2,” “Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species” and “Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure.” Available for $39.99, this ultimate “Zoo Tycoon” experience allows players to step directly into their zoo, where they will come face-to-face with 70 animals and hundreds of building objects to customize their zoo. For more information and free downloadable content, including new animals, scenery and demos, please visit the newly updated Zoo Tycoon Web site at http://www.zootycoon.com.