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