On Friday, Microsoft announced that its zoo management simulation game, Zoo Tycoon, has gone gold and will ship to stores later this month. The game lets players design, build, and manage a complete zoo. The different duties include building cages and exhibits, adopting animals, setting admission prices, managing the zoo staff, and building concession stands. In addition, players can oversee research and conservation efforts and try to attract donors by keeping the animals healthy and the zoo visitors happy.

　　Zoo Tycoon features 15 different single-player scenarios with different difficulty levels, as well as a free-play mode where players can design any kind of zoo they like. Microsoft will also release a new Beach Resort scenario and new American flag object that can be downloaded from the game's official Web site once the game is released.

　　Zoo Tycoon was developed by Blue Fang Games, and it will be available in stores by the end of the month for an approximate retail price of $29.95. For more information, take a look at our in-depth preview of the game.