Nintendo DS’s unstoppable popularity determines even the most conservative developers to turn their attention to the pocket-sized platform, and THQ’s recent announcement that Zoo Tycoon is getting a DS sequel stands proof for that.

Legendary and introvert gaming figure John Carmack from id Software (you know, DOOM, Quake Arena, Wolfenstein…) has decided to abandon the complex PC platform for a while, in favor of the simplicity provided by Nintendo DS, for which he will build a new game, dubbed Orcs & Elves.

Thus, the DS will finally get to experience a totally new IP, in the plethora of sequels that have been announced recently. After last week’s confirmation of Brain Age 2’s arrival in the US (bundled with a new DS Lite) and Viva Piñata’s unsurprising port, THQ has informed us that the popular life-simulation game Zoo Tycoon is getting a second installment for the DS.

One of the most popular life-sim franchises for PC- published under Microsoft Game Studios’ umbrella- Zoo Tycoon is clearly finding more fans on the DS, because it can now be included in the category of casual gaming.

Zoo Tycoon 2 is slated for an early 2008 debut, having been in development for almost a year at Altron Studios. The game has improved gameplay and new features that will captivate fans of the life simulation genre, as well as animal lovers who have long dreamed of running their own zoo.

According to NPD Group, the first Zoo Tycoon for DS has become a hit in the US, with more than half a million copies sold from debut.

Although ZT 2 is based on the PC game, it has distinctive features that make the gameplay unique, much like the different experience players get when they play The Sims on the DS or on the PC.

The game has three play-modes including Zoo Designer Mode, Zoo Director Mode and all new Zookeeper Mode which gives players the ability to view and care for three-dimensional versions of animals. Zoo Tycoon 2 DS also boasts with new animals and environments, as well as complete use of the touch screen and DS Stylus for all zoo activities, ranging from zoo construction to purchasing animals. Players can also exchange zoo data with friends via multicard play and compete to see who can build the best zoo.