International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

ody temperatures to be taken, when the thermometer was placed snugly between and under the
skin folds of his armpit while he was lying down in one of his favorite resting spots.
Unfortunately, it is not clear if this temperature, 37.28 o C (98.8 °F), can be compared with rectal
temperatures (although see a full discussion in Chapter 1). (We are also now working on
training him to receive a rectal temperature exam.) A thermometer, with a plastic body and for
oral use, was attached, with duct tape, at the end of a long wooden stick, with dull ends, to
extend the reach of the thermometer. New objects like the thermometer, stethoscope, or dummy
ultrasound head, were first shown to Kerbe trough the lattice, so he could look at them and sniff
them. After his initial interest in these objects had decreased, they were placed next to him
while he was massaged. When he was not interested, the objects could be used. We use body
massages during the husbandry procedures as reinforcement and this also helps to distract his
attention during exams. Husbandry procedures can be carried out on Kerbe for a half-hour or
more, as he remains in a very relaxed state with plentiful massages in between the procedures.
We plan to include all of the giant otters at Dortmund Zoo (we have 5 giant otters at present) in
the training program and aim to train a variety of husbandry behaviors utilizing operant
conditioning techniques. Although we have not reached all of our goals yet, we have learned
much about training a unique species and about the nature and fascinating abilities of giant
otters. The otters we have trained really seem to enjoy and look forward to their training
sessions and husbandry procedure sessions.
6. Acknowledgments
We would like to extend great thanks to the veterinarians at Dortmund Zoo, Dr. Christine
Osmann and Nicole Schauerte, for carrying out the actual ultrasounds via giant otter husbandry
training and for helping/training us to correctly draw giant otter lactation milk samples
(conducted via husbandry training). We have great appreciation for their continued support and
research for these procedures and understanding of giant otter ways and patience. Without
their interest, efforts, and support invaluable information would not be able to be attained. We
would also like to thank Michael Strugholz for his continued support and Natascha Kuhrt for
her assistance during some of the training sessions.
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