Zoo Tycoon 2 DS received better reviews than its predecessor Zoo Tycoon DS, but nevertheless reception for the game was still mixed, with GameRankings and Metacritic reporting an average of 65.32% and 60/100 respectively.

[2][3] Randolph Ramsey, reviewing the game for GameSpot, criticized the simplistic gameplay, complaining that it had been "stripped of any complexity that you can literally use the same strategy for making all your critters happy regardless of their size, rarity, or temperament."

although he did praise the game for including "comprehensive details about all the animals featured on its roster for any curious kiddies".

[4] Jack DeVries of IGN also detested the lack of challenge in the game.

[5] PocketGamer's Rob Hearn felt that it was "difficult to get excited about" the game, and he disproved of Zoo Tycoon 2 DS's "uncooperative" interface.