Roadside Zoos are not designed with the needs of each animal in mind
Zoos should be designed with the needs of each animal in mind, with appropriate features and furnishings to encourage the expression of species typical behaviours and movements. Many roadside zoo exhibits are designed to enhance public viewing and make cleaning and maintenance convenient for staff rather than fulfilling the animals’ needs.
This exhibit allows visitors to view the animals from all sides. Their shelter door is locked so the gibbons have no place to escape to for privacy. Forcing animals out on display at all hours of the day can be stressful for the animals. At a minimum, they deserve the choice to avoid the public. If zoo visitors are informed about the importance of privacy for the animals, they should understand and appreciate the fact that they are not guaranteed to always see the animals.
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During a trip to the roadside zoo you are likely to find...
Social animals housed alone or solitary animals kept with others.
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Nocturnal species such as this porcupine with little shade from the sun.
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Monkeys with little to climb.
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Kangaroos with very little room to hop.
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Birds with very little room to fly, spread their wings or display their
feathers.
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At a roadside zoo many of the exhibits are similar in size, construction and features regardless of the species housed in it.
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One has to question the quality of education the public receives when visiting the zoo. The small, barren cages these animals are typically housed in, bear little to no resemblance to the complex environment their wild counterparts would experience.
Tigers in the wild are excellent swimmers and spend much time in the water. They may also spend time climbing trees. You would not know either of these facts after visiting one of Ontario’s roadside zoos.
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