International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

Chapter 5
Handrearing Giant Otters
Introduction
Chapter 1 Section 5 covers what handrearing information needs to be recorded and openly
shared with the professional community and what problems are in need of immediate
international attention, scientific study and resolution. Also discussed is what should be done
with wild born orphan cubs, i.e. who should handrear them, what should be done with them
after hand-rearing etc.. It is crucial that each institution/person who handrears captive-born
and/or wild-born orphaned cubs participate in the efforts to help increase overall knowledge,
advance/better cub management in captivity and help conservation efforts in the wild.
The following information is only meant to serve as general recommendations, not rules.
Because every individual otter differs and much is left to learn, handrearing practices should be
adjusted to fit the individual needs of every otter. Handrearing is a very difficult full-time and
sometimes round the clock job. With many complexities, problems can occur even for those
with experience. The information in this chapter is by no means all inclusive and does not cover
all of the problems that can occur during handrearing. It is hoped that this manual will
encourage further research and problem resolution, as well as stimulate communication and
information sharing among all institutions involved. Handrearing information or applicable
research that you would like to contribute would be much appreciated. Please see Chapter 1
Section 4 for where to submit your contributions.
Note:
“Cub” refers to a giant otter that is between approx. one day to six months old.
“Juvenile” refers to a giant otter that is approx. between six months to one year old.
“Sub-adult” refers to a giant otter that is between approx. one year to two years old.
Section 1
Cub Assessment, Cub Weights & Record Keeping
The cub’s sex, body weight and length, estimated age, and physical and behavioral condition,
health, and abilities should be assessed and recorded when a handrearer first receives the cub.
This is necessary to determine diet, housing, and care needs. The degree of alertness, energy
and hydration, feces, urine, nose, eye, fur coat, and foot and toe pad, skin, and webbing
condition, body temperature, sensitive/painful areas of the body and injuries should be checked.
Cub weight, length, general size and developmental progress (eyes open, walking etc.) will help
determine cub age. Although, cubs of the same age and sex, as well as litter mates, can have
significantly different weights, sizes, and growth rates or/and they can differ in developmental
abilities. For example, “Size varies in direct ratio to the amount of feed available to the
lactating female and the number of cubs in a liter. If the animal has been abandoned for some
time, it will be smaller than a normal cub of similar age.” (Smeeton 2001). See the giant otter
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