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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pull the target with their paws, so this is allowed to a certain degree. This is also a good way to<br />
keep the otter occupied while it is being desensitized to be touched.<br />
During the initial training in 1996 <strong>and</strong> 1997, we used to separate Kuddel <strong>and</strong> Katja, partly<br />
because we were hoping that this might increase especially Katja’s attention span <strong>and</strong> eliminate<br />
fights. We also had to separate them because of the exhibit setup at this time, which did not<br />
offer enough lattice space to train both of them side by side. The pair bond between giant otters<br />
is extremely strong <strong>and</strong> the separation caused a considerable amount of stress <strong>and</strong> limited the<br />
training time significantly. If a training session lasted longer than a few minutes, the otters just<br />
continued to scream <strong>and</strong> refused to participate. Short dominance fights were also not<br />
uncommon after the otters were aloud back together. (Note: It was possible to separate two<br />
males during training at Philadelphia Zoo, although this was a very difficult process <strong>and</strong> the<br />
otters took months to get used to this situation. Even then the situation had to be h<strong>and</strong>led very<br />
carefully to avoid problems (Sykes, pers. comm.)<br />
After we reinitiated the training program for these particular animals in 2001, it was no longer<br />
necessary to separate Kuddel <strong>and</strong> Katja as it was now possible to train them in a bigger room<br />
side by side.<br />
It can be somewhat problematic to estimate the right time of day to do a training session with<br />
the giant otters, especially if it includes an ultrasound examination. The otters are fed between<br />
four <strong>and</strong> five times per day. Dependent on the animal’s individual mood <strong>and</strong> activities, weather,<br />
<strong>and</strong> temperature, the appetite can vary significantly. For a successful training session, the otters<br />
have to be somewhat active <strong>and</strong> interested. Training is usually not effective, if they are too<br />
hungry or too full.<br />
We have found that the best time to do a training session is usually between 1:00 p.m. <strong>and</strong> 1:30<br />
p.m., just between two regular feedings.<br />
Before an ultrasound examination, the otter needs to be sufficiently wet. <strong>Giant</strong> otter fur is very<br />
dense <strong>and</strong> although a water soluble, conductive gel is used, the ultrasonic waves can not<br />
penetrate through the fur, if the otter is not totally soaking wet.<br />
During the ultrasound training, at least four people are needed. Two trainers, each for one otter<br />
<strong>and</strong> two veterinarians, of whom one would operate the probe while the other operates the<br />
ultrasound machine. More people were often present during the sessions but this can also easily<br />
distract the otters.<br />
<strong>Giant</strong> otters have a very low attention span, they become distracted easily, <strong>and</strong> they can become<br />
quite nervous at times. With Katja, it appeared to be too difficult <strong>and</strong> dangerous to try to train<br />
her to lay on her side or back for the ultrasound, especially in her mate’s presence. (Although<br />
see below for another otter that is trained with this method.) With limited time available for<br />
training sessions, an easier solution had to be found.<br />
Katja likes to st<strong>and</strong> up at the lattice <strong>and</strong> she likes to climb up in the lattice. When she was just<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ing up on her hind feet on the ground, her lower abdomen was too far away from the<br />
lattice to conduct husb<strong>and</strong>ry procedures. It also seemed that it might be too uncomfortable for<br />
her to just climb up in the lattice <strong>and</strong> remain in the same position for longer then a few seconds.<br />
A solution had to be found that would allow her to be in a more comfortable position after she<br />
climbed up the lattice. It was also necessary, with her, to develop a way that would protect<br />
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