Rodeo Stampede update: hats, new animals and more

If it's been a while since you've tended to your sky zoo in Rodeo Stampede, it's time to go back. And not just because the people in charge of ensuring animals get treated properly are going to be looking for you by now.

No, it's time to return because the game's latest update has introduced a few new things you've probably been craving. Also hats.

I'm not even making that up. Unfortunately, it's not animals wearing hats. Here's what you'll find in the game's latest update anyway:

There really are hats

Since your zookeeper is a cowboy of sorts, he's always worn a cowboy hat. But why should he limit himself?

Featherweight Games obviously felt the same way, putting more than 60 hats and costumes into Rodeo Stampede. You start with just the cowboy hat you've always had, but you can unlock others by riding rare animals in the stampede.

To check them out, just tap the cowboy hat icon on the left side of the main game screen. You can scroll through the selection to get hints at what's available and choose from any hats you've already unlocked.

New rare animals -- or maybe rarer is more accurate

Even if you've done yourself proud by rounding up every iteration of the original Savannah animals, you've suddenly got more work to do. That's because the update adds new rare animals of all types, available in the stampede once you upgrade an animal habitat to level 9.

Obviously, that doesn't come cheap, but at least the animals get a home that looks like a mini mansion out of the deal. Try starting with the Buffalo, where the fee to upgrade to level 9 is a manageable 3000 coins.

As for what all the new animals are, don't ask us. We haven't had the chance to chase any of them down -- yet.

A new mule to buy

Move over Cash Cow. You're not alone any more.

Selling for $5.99 at the time of this post, the Mission Mule does more than just carry your stuff. He untethers you from the tedious process of having to wait for more missions, meaning you'll always have tasks to tackle any time you play.