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