Zooloretto: The Gorilla

Zooloretto: The Gorilla showed up as a free giveaway from Abacus at the 2008 Spiel, but it adds a neat twist for fans of the zoo‑building classic. The expansion consists of a single special tile featuring a gorilla, yet this massive ape reshapes the flow: the first player to fill a six‑space enclosure claims the “gorilla enclosure” placed in the middle of the table. The owner of that enclosure may, once during the game, place a drawn tile – even a coin tile – directly into his zoo instead of sending it to a delivery truck. To track the usage, the spent coin is placed on the gorilla enclosure and stays there until game end, but it does not count toward final scoring. The purpose is to give a “master move” option, allowing an unexpected placement that can rescue or ruin an animal collection. While the component count is tiny, it adds an extra strategic layer and tension, especially in the closing rounds when everyone scrambles for the last spaces. All standard Zooloretto rules still apply, so seasoned players will pick it up instantly. In short, The Gorilla is a cheap, easy‑to‑learn supplement that injects a new decision point for those who love micro‑management and a dash of surprise in their zoo. Perfect for casual play or as a quick upgrade to regular sessions.