International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

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