International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

animals that are two years or older have been observed to leave the group, it can
be concluded that these animals did not survive. In no case was an identified cub
sighted again after it disappeared from the group. It is very likely that the cub
death rate is even higher then estimated here, because we were usually only able
to identify the cubs when they were two months old or older.” (Translation from
Staib 2002).
“In the wild, Schenck and Staib (1994) monitored three Pteronura groups living
in three lakes heavily visited by tourists in Manu National Park. The groups
successfully reared only three of nine litters over three years, with six litters dying
of early malnutrition. While the sample size of this data may not be enough to
draw an generally applicable rate of cub mortality, the findings suggest
potentially severe impacts of tourist disturbance in the wild. This is 1/3 the
expected success rate; undisturbed otters normally successfully rear each litter.
The fact that the peak tourist season (June-October) is also Pteronura’s cubbing
season and the dry season, when aquatic habitats shrink, increasing interactions
with humans….
Aside from altering lactation, it has been suggested—though not systematically
confirmed— that tourism can cause entire Pteronura groups to catch less fish,
alter normal denning activities, reproduce out of the naturally optimal season,
and abandon a habitat altogether (Charles Munn, personal communication)
(Schenck, 1999)(Patty Herrera, personal communication).” (Dauphin, internet)
Historical Overview
The recommendations for what is needed to promote the successful rearing of giant otters in
captivity are based on the husbandry, management, and facilities, etc. used at each zoo in the
world that has reared giant otter cubs with success (i.e. to one year or older). The history and
general profile of the individual otters were also considered. The information about each zoo
and that which supports their findings/documentation’s was drawn from published and
unpublished reports/studies, surveys, personal communications, conferences, and lectures.
(Duplaix-Hall 1975; Autuori and Deutsch 1977; Hagenbeck and Wünnemann 1992;
Wünnemann 1995; Wünnemann 1995 b ; Baker et al 1996; Flügger 1997; “Genealogical
Meeting…in Brazil” 1998; Gomes de Castro, pers. comm. 1998; Brasilia Zoo staff, pers.
comm.; Louzada da Silva, pers. comm. 1998; Marcato de Oliveira, unpublished report 1995;
Dortmund Zoo staff, pers. comm.; Gatz, pers. comm.; Corredor, pers. comm.; Sykes 1997-99 &
1998/2002, Sykes-Gatz 2001 & unpublished reports; Costa, pers. comm. 2003). This study
(Sykes-Gatz, unpublished study) covered the years from 1968 to September 30, 2003.
Between 2002 and September 30, 2003 there were approximately 58 giant otters held in 27
institutions. Census records indicate that the population of giant otters held and number of zoos
holding them have not been much larger than this since the 1970’s. From what is known, and
since 1968, world-wide only 9 institutions holding giant otters have reported litter births
(including aborted fetuses). Of these nine institutions, six institutions have successfully reared
cubs to one year or older. (Two institutions which had successfully reared litters were counted
and represented as one institution within this manual because of the special circumstances
involved. See above.) Each institution had many differences (i.e. otter personalities, keepers,
enclosure design etc.). All six institutions although had one thing in common, they provided the
parents rearing cubs with privacy from human disturbances and presence. Either their
management methods and/or “exhibit design” (see above) alone permitted privacy. The
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