International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

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