How research works
Last verified 2026-10-14
GuidesVets and Keepers research in zoos. Reserve monitoring networks open further research gates. Completed research persists across the Hub.
Source-based instructions checked on 14 October 2026, not a hands-on play report. Menu names follow Frontier's English guides; custom bindings and platform layouts may differ.
Assign a research topic
Open Research in the Browser. Choose Species, Enrichment, Education or Disease. Read the topic requirements, such as housing the animal.
Place a functional Research Centre from Facilities with power and path access. In Research select an Available Staff member and the topic. Species research includes observations at the enclosure and time in the centre.
Track progress
Check the Active Research alert, Research menu or staff Info Panel. Feeding and treatment take priority; pause research if the staff member is needed elsewhere.
Completion reports unlocks. If another tier is available, the Vet automatically begins it. Species research can unlock education, release groups, fertility improvements and Thriving requirements; other research categories have different rewards.
Open reserve research gates
Some species need release and study in reserves to finish research. Establish the reserve, release suitable animals and build the required Observation Platform, Camera Trap or Acoustic Monitor network.
Check coverage and behaviour requirements. Reserve Research Rating is one of two Biodiversity categories, not a verified fixed half. No universal research duration is claimed.
Questions people ask
Why is research slow?
Animal care has priority. Check staff tasks, topic requirements, centre access and power; no fixed completion time is guaranteed.
Must I repeat completed research in another zoo?
No. Frontier says completed research persists across the Hub.