1. They contribute to the public’s education: The lack of stand-off barriers allows viewers come into close contact with the wildlife. In addition, the small, barren cages allow the viewers to see the animals very clearly at close range, and some of the zoos offer petting areas or information signs about the animals.
2. They contribute to animal conservation by providing homes for members of threatened or endangered wildlife.
3. They function as wildlife sanctuaries – protected facilities where animals are able to live out their lives.
4. They are trying to support rescued animals: Roadside zoos sometimes begin inadvertently when a few animals are rescued from other establishments, or from the wild, with only good intentions. Eventually the collection becomes too large for the owners’ financial or professional abilities, and in order to increase revenue it is opened to the public.
