International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

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