International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

they must have sufficient area where they can hide or stay out of the other’s view when they feel
it is necessary. Otters should not be introduced with physical full-contact within a den area
alone, as this area is too small and confined for a full-contact introduction to take place.]
Animal shift doors that are constructed of solid materials, but that can be replaced/interchanged
with a shift door made of lattice/fence with the recommended mesh size necessary for
introductions, can be a helpful addition during visual introductions, although larger introduction
fences are needed as well.
Introduction fences/gates and shift doors, with strong but small fence/lattice mesh size to
prevent fence-fight injuries (even 2 cm x 2 cm [1"x 1"] resulted in injuries), should be used for
visual introductions. It seems 2 cm x 2 cm [1" x 1"] mesh has produced the best and safest
results, while still offering a strong structure. The otters should be able to closely see, hear
and smell each other, but not be able to put their feet, mouth etc. through the mesh. In some
cases, even when otters have only been able to put their toes through the fence, toe and foot pad
and webbing injuries have resulted from being bitten. Caution: otters are very strong and could
push through loose fencing that is not sunken in the ground deep enough or climb over fencing
that is not high enough. (See containment barriers in Section 8). If fence/lattice with the
inappropriate size mesh is already in place, fence with the recommended size mesh above, can
be used to cover it over, simply by securely attaching the new fence to the existing fence/lattice.
Otters should be introduced with physical full-contact introductions in areas that have
ample open space and at least two exit/entrance areas to prevent entrapment. These areas
should be where staff has full control over the situation, especially to separate the otters
when necessary and/or in emergencies. Tunnels, nestboxes, and small dens (unless they
have two open exits) should be closed during full-contact introductions to prevent
entrapment. An otter must have sufficient land area and appropriate furnishings that allow it to
successfully adjust to the other otter and the new situation, and stay out of the other’s view
and rest alone when necessary. (See above under appropriately designed and furnished
enclosures.) Dens alone should not be used for physical full-contact introductions; see
above. It has been noted that giant otters, esp. the females, will try to force and hold the
other otter, usually the male, underwater for an extended period of time, i.e. so that the
otter being pushed under the water comes to the surface gasping for air. Also females seem to
like to initiate fights in the water and they have nearly drowned the otters, i.e. males, they were
being introduced to. Offering shallow water in pools that have gently sloping sides or low
sides so that the otters don’t hurt themselves if they fall or jump in or small swim tanks with
shallow water have been helpful to prevent otters from fighting or holding each other
under the water for too long. This also allows caretakers more control as otters are esp.
difficult to separate when they are in pools, esp. large pools.
Otters that are to be introduced, must be familiar/familiarized and comfortable with the
enclosures they are introduced in, ideally before visual introduction, and most definitely
before full-contact introductions. For example, otters housed on opposing sides of a divided
enclosure should be shifted so that they are exposed to both enclosure sides. The animals
should be given as long as they need to adjust to their new territory, e.g. this could take from
one to two weeks long. Their behaviors should be monitored to determine when they have
adjusted. Most often, this period of familiarization will have to coincide with their visual
introduction period.
Experienced staff, most familiar with the otters, must be available to monitor both the
visual and full-contact introductions and control all situations during the physical full-
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