I have a strategy I am trying for planning zoos that is working pretty well. I always play in the sandbox mode, of course.
Instead of building out as the game progresses, I chose a big alpine map, flattened it, and am putting down empty, plain exhibits and blocking out pathways. Kinda like a painting
I leave plenty of open areas for food courts between exhibits. When I'm done, all I'll have to do is decorate the zoo, place appropriate paths, and fill the exhibits.
I know I always have trouble plotting where exhibits will go as I build them (especially when the animals have a baby and I need more room, but have the exhibit surrounded) so this way I can just put the animals in an appopriately sized exhibit without having to move others around.
Does this make sense? has anyone else tried it this way? It's working really well, and I know all my paths will be wide and spacey