International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

it stays close to the target. This then can be used to station the animal in a specific place where
the target is presented.
Scale training
The method of scale training varies with the available type of scale. The ideal scale is one that
is long and wide enough to enable the otter to stand on it in a natural way (i.e. with all four feet
on the ground). Smaller scales are less reliable, but can be used if nothing else is available. In
this case, the otter can be trained to stand on its hind feet and the weight can be taken when the
otter’s tail is off the ground. (See scale designs above.) The desensitization process is usually
short, as the scale is normally not seen as a threat by the animal. The training starts with the
animal simply following the target onto the scale. The goal is to station the animal on the scale
and to extend the time as long as possible to get an accurate weight reading
Crate training
Crate training is a very useful tool to avoid stress and danger to the animals and caretakers
during the transport procedure. The first step is usually to place the transport box inside the
exhibit as early before transport as possible. Preferable is a placement at the exit of a regularly
frequented shift door or next to an area which can be easily reached by the keeper through a
fence or a lattice. Models of transport crates vary (see under Training Basics). Preferable is a
stable crate with two shift doors so that the animal can just walk through. Kennel/porta
boxes/crates are usually considered not stable enough for giant otters, especially during longer
transports, but can be useful for short transports within the same facility. (Nestboxes or tunnel
sections etc. can also be used as temporary transport crates.)
If the animal is well target trained, it will follow the target into the crate after a short
desensitization process. Otherwise, fish or play material can be placed within the transport crate
to attract the otters attention. Once the animal is accustomed to the transport crate, so it moves
in and out of it freely, the trainer can start to move the shift door a little (first with the otter
outside of the crate then with the otter inside the crate). If the shift door is one that the otter can
move safely by itself (e.g. kennel crate), the otter should be allowed or encouraged to move the
door on its own. This way it will grow comfortable with the movements of the door and feel in
control of the situation. Later on, the shift door can be closed for a brief moment. This needs to
be done in a very slow and careful way, so that the animal does not become scared. The times
of confinement can be slowly extended until the animal appears comfortable enough for
transport.
Ultrasound, Body Examination, Milk Sampling Training: An Overview
Caution: Milk samples must never be drawn when the parents are rearing cubs. This
may cause a significant disturbance to the parents and may result in litter loss. Milk
samples must be drawn only after litter loss occurs. Mother’s will soon stop lactating after
litter loss occurs, therefore milk sampling should be conducted in the first day or two after
litter loss.
At first, the animal is desensitized to accept the touch of the trainer while it is stationed in the
wooden training frame. Non-sensitive areas of the body and those areas that are safe for the
trainer should be touched first. Once the otter is comfortable with this, the area around the teats
should then be approached. Afterwards, the trainer can try to very gently touch the female’s
teats. After she becomes comfortable with this, then the teats can be manipulated with the
motions needed to extract milk. Trainers must be very careful not to injure or hurt the
animal’s teats by squeezing too hard, as this could cause significant health problems. The
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