International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

indoors. Otters can also use each cut bamboo piece for a long time before it needs to be
replaced.
Only specific types of bamboo although are useful for the otters. Bamboo species that grow
tall are ideal to use, but the stalks must be small enough in diameter so that they are still
easily flexible. Bamboo stalks that are approx. 0.5 cm (0.2") to 0.75 cm (0.3") in diameter
at their base and that are approx. 2 m (6.56 ft) to 3m (9.84 ft) in height should be used.
(The term “base” means the portion of the stalk that is at the ground level.) Bamboo species
such as Fargesia murielae have worked very well both live growing and cut for use. It is
important to note that when growing bamboo has a stalk diameter thicker than the sizes
aforementioned, it can not be used by the otters because the stalks are too large and
therefore inflexible. (The otter also must be able to easily reach the bamboo so it can bend the
bamboo down and play with the top end of the bamboo, i.e. the end with the leaves.) Tall
growing bamboo should be offered to the otters when it has reached at least 1.5 m (4.92 ft)
to 2 m (6.56 ft) or more in height. Shorter heights may be destroyed by the otters as this size
may not be able to withstand the significant use from the otters. Very large pots, tubs, or
containers of live bamboo can be provided indoors. These containers can be hidden under deep
substrates and they should be large enough so they can not be turned over or manipulated by the
otters. This method has worked very well in indoor areas where it was not possible to place
plantings directly into the enclosure base. “Man-made bamboo stands / overhanging bamboo”
can be easily made from cut bamboo. Bamboo that has 1 cm (0.4") to 1.5 cm (0.6") diameter
stalks at their base only and the aforementioned stalk size for live growing bamboo, both with
heights of 2 m to 3 m (6.56 ft to 9.84 ft) are good for use. Somewhat larger or smaller stalk
sizes and varying heights can also be used for variety when the bamboo is cut for use.
Providing turf/vegetation on natural outdoor land areas with soft loose soil will help maintain
land dryness and prevent soil and hill/bank erosion, although otters must not be prevented
from digging into the soil or grooming on it (which involves digging/scratching up surface
substrates and vegetation) or digging the vegetation/turf away throughout the enclosure.
(These are very important strong natural behaviors that otters must be allowed to carry out. See
Section 3 below for why.) When the recommended soil type, quality, and depth and land and
water area designs and locations are provided, problems should not occur with the land area
remaining dry enough or eroding when the animals dig/scratch away large areas of
vegetation/turf and dig and groom throughout the entire enclosure.
When otters are housed solely outdoors vegetation such as deciduous trees, bushes, bamboo
stands etc. should be offered in enclosures to provide supplementary shelter from the elements
(see Section 9 for more information). Natural furnishings, e.g. such as those just listed, should
also be offered outdoors whether or not indoor enclosures are provided, for similar and other
reasons. Turf and vegetation can be allowed to freely grow or be planted. Both long and short
grass/turf, weeds, ferns, and tall vegetation can be offered outdoors. Trees, large bushes, or
large tree stumps with long extended roots may help prevent natural underground den cave-ins
and soil and hill erosion. Dense undergrowth growing freely in some areas and aquatic plants
can also be provided. Weighted pots/tubs with live growing bushes, tall grasses, ferns, or small
deciduous trees etc. can also be provided indoors. 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.
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