The mermaid is a secret adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon and was added as part of the Marine Mania expansion pack. Unlike all other animals, the mermaid is not conventionally adoptable. Instead, it is acquired by placing a Mermaid Statue in an exhibit tank, whereupon the statue will transform into a mermaid. Like all Marine Mania animals, the mermaid is an Aquatic animal. It uses the Sunken Ship shelter and can be exhibited with most other marine animals. Occasionally, a mermaid will sing. All mermaids obtained by placing a statue in a tank are female. The only way to acquire a male is through a mod or hack. Adopting a mermaid this way will still display the animation of the statue breaking apart.