International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

daily) for use for this method to be effective and some should be left on the ground as well.
This only takes a couple minutes or so to do, so it is a very quick and easy form of natural
enrichment to provide and maintain. As well, the same bamboo can be left in the enclosures for
a long period of time (months) and the otters will still use the bamboo after the leaves and stalks
are brown. Although, once the leaves begin to fall off (this can take months) the bamboo
should be replaced as otters will not use bamboo when it has no leaves. Fresh supplies can
be given sooner for more enrichment as otters particularly enjoy fresh cut bamboo. Using water
from a hose to occasionally mist the leaves of cut bamboo that is kept indoors can help the leaves
to stay fresher longer. Bamboo, whether live growing or cut, that has been sprayed with
pesticides or other dangerous chemicals must not be used.
If bamboo as described is unavailable, other flexible lightweight soft branch types with leaves
or/and some bushes or deciduous trees with long overhanging branches that are within the otters’
reach, might be able to be used at least somewhat for play and manipulation. (These will also
provide necessary shaded areas within enclosures.) Weighted pots/tubs with live growing
bushes, tall grasses, ferns, or small deciduous trees etc. can also be provided indoors. Plants
(including their leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds etc.) should not be poisonous, thorny, or have thistles
or have been sprayed with pesticides or other dangerous chemicals etc.. Plants offered should
also be deciduous rather than coniferous.
Observations of wild giant otters in Peru
“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.” (Translation from Staib 2002)
Giant otters also frequently manipulate (with their paws) and push around, smooth small
round rocks (esp. river rocks) that fit easily into their paws, so SEVERAL of these can be
offered on land and in the water. Only several should be offered. Piles of rocks/land areas
with rocks (whether smooth, rounded or otherwise), pebbles, gravel or soil, sand, or mulch
mixed with these must not be placed anywhere within enclosures (see Sections 2-3 above).
A deep pile of leaves (esp. where the leaves can remain dry) is among one of the giant otters'
favorite items to dig, roll, play, and groom in. It is therefore highly recommended to offer
this. It must be given only for variety and not as substitute for the required deep digging
areas and substrates. Leaves that have fallen from deciduous trees are ideal. Leaves from
coniferous trees or that have thorns, thistles, poisonous fruits, or that have been sprayed with
pesticides or other dangerous chemicals should not be used to make leaf piles. They should not
be infested with ticks or other insects or have harmful [i.e. artificial] debris. Leaves can be
collected and stored in large bins so that they are available all year around. (Containers holding
leaves should be covered if they are placed outdoors.) Branches, logs, and rocks of varying
sizes, tree bark, sticks, pine cones, feathers, scattered leaves can be left or placed on ground for
manipulation or investigation.
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