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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practices <strong>and</strong> enclosure designs allow for the provision of fresh food <strong>and</strong> enclosures without<br />
left-over/spoiled fish, unsanitary water, <strong>and</strong> overly accumulated fecal remains, with no or<br />
minimal human disturbance. See above for additional enrichment items, i.e. toys, that can be<br />
offered during cub-rearing. See above for ways to monitor cub progress etc..<br />
Cleaning by hosing <strong>and</strong> scrubbing enclosures can cause disturbance <strong>and</strong> this should be avoided<br />
when possible. When enclosures are furnished with soft loose natural substrates as<br />
recommended, dry spot cleaning is sanitary <strong>and</strong> much easier <strong>and</strong> quicker to accomplish than the<br />
aforementioned method. This cleaning method will significantly minimize disturbance to the<br />
parents. Water areas, e.g. pools, swim tanks etc., can be drained <strong>and</strong> refilled with clean water,<br />
but it is advisable to avoid scrubbing the pools clean if possible. Water areas can be emptied<br />
<strong>and</strong> filled with fresh water or/<strong>and</strong> be provided with a small gentle constant flow of fresh water,<br />
without the keeper having to enter the enclosure.<br />
It is crucial to remember that even when primary/familiar keepers are carrying out<br />
limited/minimized activities to service the otters during cub-rearing or keepers are near or<br />
in the enclosure, the presence of the caretaker alone <strong>and</strong>/or the activities performed<br />
(whether detected, seen, or just heard by the otters) can cause significant disturbance <strong>and</strong><br />
stress to the otters. See Part A above for an explanation <strong>and</strong> examples.<br />
Before parturition, nestbox bedding materials such as straw, hay, <strong>and</strong> leaves should be<br />
removed during cub-rearing to maintain nestbox dryness without human intervention in the<br />
nestbox area. Woodwool should not be used during cub-rearing as cubs may become entangled<br />
in it <strong>and</strong> also for the same reasons as above. The recommended types <strong>and</strong> qualities of mulch or<br />
soft s<strong>and</strong>, at least 10 cm to 20 cm (4" to 8") in depth, should be placed in nestboxes as a<br />
replacement for the aforementioned materials. This will help keep the nestboxes dry with no or<br />
low maintenance from keepers <strong>and</strong> provide soft surfaces for the cubs (see Section 2 above).<br />
Although, when enclosure l<strong>and</strong> to water ratios, other l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> water area designs or locations,<br />
l<strong>and</strong> or floor substrate types, qualities, or depths, or den <strong>and</strong> nestbox locations are not provided<br />
as recommended, nestboxes/bedding substrates <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> areas can remain very damp/wet. (See<br />
Section 3 above for the serious health problems that can develop in these situations). Note: no<br />
bedding materials are needed within natural underground dens other than the soil floor naturally<br />
present. It should be determined before litter birth how any live plants within the otters’ indoor<br />
enclosure can be watered without disturbance, e.g. by automatic watering systems etc..<br />
Shifting <strong>and</strong> locking the otters into various enclosure parts should be limited as much as<br />
possible. Rather than locking otters into their nestboxes or dens, it is much less disturbing <strong>and</strong><br />
frustrating/stressful to the otters, when they are locked/held onto opposing enclosure sides. This<br />
can be accomplished best, i.e. with less disturbance, when the animals are sleeping. If the<br />
necessary action must be done at a time when the otters are not sleeping, the otters may be able<br />
to be lured over to a particular enclosure side <strong>and</strong> distracted by feeding. The keeper should feed<br />
in such a way so that he/she is not detected by the otters. <strong>Otter</strong>s should never be chased away<br />
from their cubs, nestboxes, dens, natural underground dens or particular enclosure areas unless<br />
it is an emergency. This could be extremely stressful <strong>and</strong> disturbing to the otters.<br />
Cubs <strong>and</strong> parents must not be disturbed <strong>and</strong> nestboxes, dens containing nestboxes, <strong>and</strong><br />
underground dens must not be entered/disturbed unless the action is considered essential<br />
to ensure the survival of the cubs or other group members. These actions include those<br />
necessary during emergencies, crucial medical care, vaccinations (e.g. at 8, 12, <strong>and</strong> 16 weeks<br />
old) <strong>and</strong> pulling cubs for h<strong>and</strong>rearing. For example, cubs should not be weighed, measured,<br />
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