International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
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dry areas in enclosures should also be offered. This is esp. important when indoor<br />
enclosures are not available (see Section 4 below). Natural underground dens that otters dig<br />
into hillsides / banks (constructed as recommended) also provide additional dry areas. Note:<br />
giant otters try to stay out of the rain so they can remain dry when they are on l<strong>and</strong>. (See<br />
Sections 7 <strong>and</strong> 11 below for the recommended l<strong>and</strong> area designs necessary to help keep l<strong>and</strong><br />
areas, including dens/nestboxes, dry.)<br />
Part B. Mental <strong>and</strong> Behavioral Health Problems<br />
Inappropriate enclosure conditions that can negatively affect the ability to successfully rear<br />
cubs, adjust to new/unusual situations, <strong>and</strong> maintain mental <strong>and</strong> behavioral health:<br />
Observations of wild giant otters in the wild<br />
“After the group returned from a hunting trip to the cubs which stayed in the den,<br />
intense grooming <strong>and</strong> play phases with the cubs could be observed.….Besides the<br />
grooming, the otters showed significant play behavior during the hunting breaks.<br />
Chasing <strong>and</strong> wrestling were typical play elements. Usually the otters play with<br />
each other. Branches, twigs <strong>and</strong> bark pieces are also incorporated from time to<br />
time. On one occasion, it was observed how the otters used a tin can that was<br />
thrown away by tourists as a play toy….The members of a group play often <strong>and</strong><br />
extensively. The younger the otters were, the more playful they seemed. Often the<br />
young otters initiated the play, but often the whole group played also. Sometimes<br />
only parts of the group played. Adult males <strong>and</strong> females were observed playing<br />
as well.”(Translation of Staib 2002) “Pteronura spends a large portion of its<br />
time ashore engaged in grooming activities…” (Duplaix 1980).<br />
Pteronura is extremely inquisitive <strong>and</strong> very aware of its surroundings <strong>and</strong> in captivity they<br />
require plentiful quality l<strong>and</strong> area to carry out their many essential natural terrestrial behaviors<br />
(Duplaix-Hall 1972; Duplaix 1980). “The <strong>Giant</strong> <strong>Otter</strong> is primarily terrestrial but has become<br />
exceptionally well adapted to the pursuit of its prey in aquatic environments. When on l<strong>and</strong>, it<br />
appears somewhat hunched <strong>and</strong> clumsy but in fact may travel a considerable distance between<br />
water bodies, tending to use well-worn paths.” (Groenendijk 1998). [This species has adapted<br />
very well to using the water to find their food <strong>and</strong> move about their territory. Wild giant otters<br />
usually use the waterways to travel long distances to get from one area in their territory to<br />
another, but they also can travel as mentioned above. They are totally dependent on eating fresh<br />
water fish to survive, but they are also totally dependent on the l<strong>and</strong> area located next to the<br />
water to carry out the rest of their lives. Without this l<strong>and</strong> area they would not be able to<br />
survive.] <strong>Giant</strong> otters are l<strong>and</strong> mammals that swim. In zoos, this diurnal species will spend<br />
more of its daytime hours (including day-time resting hours) on l<strong>and</strong> than in the water (Salvo<br />
Souza & Best 1982; Carter & Rosas 1997). This species is intelligent, social, highly<br />
active/energetic, curious, <strong>and</strong> playful. “<strong>Giant</strong> otters belong to the carnivores with the highest<br />
degree of cephalisation (brain development) (Rohrs 1986).” (Wünnemann 1995). For many<br />
reasons, this species requires “a lot of” complexly furnished dry l<strong>and</strong> area in captivity (Duplaix-<br />
Hall 1972 & 1975; Wünnemann 1995).<br />
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