This was like my favorite game when I was little, and it's still one of my favorites.
This is a game for all ages. For a time we even had our dad obsessed with it, and he made an awesome zoo. Unlike the Sims, this game gives you great customization options. For animals, you've got everything from monkeys to white tigers! For fences, you've got everything from iron to wood, and you've also got ton's of restaurants and rides.
Something that adds a lot of fun to the game is that you don't just take care of the animals, but the guests too. If guests are unhappy with the zoo, then they'll leave. You've gotta keep them happy by buying restaurants and rides. Another cool thing is that you can name your animals, guests and zoo keepers.
It's not a game without it's flaws however. The sound effects can be pretty lame, and the graphics aren't the best that I've seen. Sometimes keeping your zoo going can be frusturating, and tutorials aren't very fun.
Pros: Lot's of animals, restaurants etc. It can keep you entertained for a while. You can name guests, animals, zoo keepers and even your zoo. Great music. Easy to learn.
Cons: It can be frusturating to keep your zoo going. Sound effects and graphics aren't the best.
Above all, the style is pretty cool and there are some cool features. Zoo Tycoon is a fun game, and I highly recommend it.