The idea of the island changing while the game is closed is really interesting! I think giving players a small preview of what might change before they leave could make them more curious to return. What kind of surprises are you planning for later visits?
Thanks! A small preview before leaving is a useful suggestion. In the current beta, Care (G) has forecasts for the next 8, 12 or 24 hours, showing projected population changes and possible resource shortages if you leave the reserve as it is. It is a planning tool; it does not fast-forward your actual game. Your comment makes me think about how that preview could also build curiosity.
For later visits, the current beta already has newborns, rare inherited colours, growing herds and animals building up adaptation so you can choose to evolve them. Those are the kinds of changes I want players to enjoy discovering; further additions are still being worked out.
If you have Windows, the beta is free to try. I'd love to hear whether a short first visit and a return the next day feel interesting, and whether the Care forecast helps you prepare. Thanks for the feedback!