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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individuals who carry out the milking procedure must be properly trained to milk before<br />
they engage in this procedure. A veterinarian should always be consulted for advice. Once<br />
this is properly trained, the animal might accept the drawing of milk samples after litter loss.<br />
The aforementioned training can be exp<strong>and</strong>ed <strong>and</strong> modified to train the animal to accept the use<br />
of an ultrasound probe while it is stationed in the frame. The ultrasound check-up is a very<br />
useful tool for many reasons. It can be used to detect pregnancy, determine if false pregnancies<br />
are present, monitor gestation, fetus growth <strong>and</strong> uterine condition, as well as be used for other<br />
health examinations <strong>and</strong> gathering of medical data. Both females <strong>and</strong> males should/can be<br />
trained to allow this procedure. A dummy probe should always be used during the training<br />
sessions, as the otters can be very destructive if they manage to bite the probe.<br />
With modifications of the aforementioned training, another type of behavior that can be trained,<br />
by using the frame, is the acceptance of the treatment of small wounds <strong>and</strong> allowing<br />
examination of the body (i.e. palpation of the body). Wounds may be treated with medication<br />
while the otter is stationed <strong>and</strong> close body examinations are also possible.<br />
5. <strong>Giant</strong> <strong>Otter</strong> Training at Dortmund Zoo<br />
So far, the following tasks have been accomplished<br />
during the giant otter training program at<br />
Dortmund Zoo:<br />
1. Targeting – including extended targets<br />
2. Target follow<br />
3. Shape <strong>and</strong> color discrimination<br />
4. Scale training<br />
5. Crate training<br />
6. Ultrasound examination<br />
7. Milk sample collection<br />
8. Body examination (palpation)<br />
9. Medical treatment in protected contact<br />
10. Measuring of body temperature<br />
11. Resting heart rate measuring<br />
12. Respiration rates<br />
From known reports, this is the first time a giant otter has had ultrasound exams while not under<br />
anesthesia. On one of the ultrasound sessions during pregnancy, at least 2 <strong>and</strong> maybe 4 cub<br />
fetuses were seen. The ultrasounds were discontinued soon before parturition <strong>and</strong> they were<br />
started again after litter loss. Katja, the breeding female at Dortmund Zoo, had a false<br />
pregnancy <strong>and</strong> it was possible to confirm this by conducting an ultrasound (at least 3 false<br />
pregnancies were confirmed via ultrasound by training).<br />
Training is of course also a very helpful tool to improve the keeper - animal relationship, which<br />
is important during giant otter cub-rearing, as well as many husb<strong>and</strong>ry procedures. See Chapter<br />
1 Section 4.<br />
False pregnancies are not uncommon in giant otters. <strong>Giant</strong> otter cubs are also often killed by the<br />
parents soon after parturition (i.e. usually because of human disturbances) <strong>and</strong> it is feared that<br />
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