Software giant Microsoft has announced its Zoo Tycoon Beast in Show campaign, in which people can submit their favorite zoo animals to be featured in the game through November 15. Ten semifinalists will be chosen, and the final vote will take place November 19-30. The winning animal will be featured for download in the game, and Microsoft will donate $20,000 to fund animal care at the winning animal's zoo.

　　"The animals are the stars of the zoo--they are the reason people visit, and their happiness and well-being make or break it--both in the real world and in the virtual world of Zoo Tycoon," said Microsoft's Susan Kittleson, product manager for Zoo Tycoon. "Beast in Show gives us an opportunity to give back to the zoos that inspired the game."

　　Nominations are now being accepted online at the official Zoo Tycoon Web site.

　　Zoo Tycoon lets players build and manage a zoo, complete with a variety of animals, habitats, and visitor services. In order to make the zoo successful, players must keep the animals happy, manage the zoo staff efficiently, and attract enough visitors. Zoo Tycoon was released last week and is now available in stores for an approximate retail price of $39.95. For more information, take a look at our previous coverage of the game.