International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

Whether cubs have companions or they are reared alone, human parents must interact with the
cub to provide substitute for most of the aforementioned aspects (Read & Meier 1996). This is
especially critical when otters are alone. “…it is essential both for the well-being of the
orphaned animals and for success in re-introduction and release [whether into captivity or the
wild], that the orphaned animals have significant interaction with their keepers…” (Smeeton
2001). When solitary cubs have minimal interaction with handrearers or other otters, this will
significantly and negatively affect their physical as well as mental well-being (e.g. severe
depression etc.) and development.
Delayed physical or mental development, failure to thrive, and overreaction to a
new environment are signs of maladjustment. Stereotypical behaviors seen include
self-mutilation, pacing, rocking, head pressing, weaving, hair plucking or
excessive grooming, and excessive suckling. These problems are difficult to avoid
in exotic animals that must be handreared, particularly if the animals are solitary
and isolated (Meier 1984).” (Read & Meier 1996).
“Exotic animals appear to be more susceptible to stress-related problems than their domestic
counterparts.” (Read & Meier 1996). “If the cubs brought in, are in a group, the level of stress
is greatly lessened. Single cubs are sometimes reduced to a coma-like behavior by prolonged
anxiety.” (Smeeton 2001). Cubs, that are only slightly chilled (i.e. that do not have subnormal
body temperatures) and are in “this coma-like condition will be alleviated by the keeper putting
the cub inside his/her shirt until the animal has warmed-up and revived.” Once the cub has been
revived, warmed, and given any necessary medical treatment and feeding, it can be placed in
warmed housing. To offer the cub a familiar and comforting smell, keepers should rub their
hands/body on some of the housing bedding or provide their worn T-shirt or safe shirts (without
buttons, holes, frays/loose strings, long sleeves etc.), as bedding or for wrapping around a
ticking clock. Also the following items will help to somewhat replicate the presence of another
otter and provide some comfort. A rolled towel, safe stuffed cloth toy (remove buttons,
imitation eyes, etc.), a wool sock filled with cloth or crumpled newspapers and knotted shut at
the opening, and a safe wind-up ticking clock placed outside the housing or wrapped in a towel
and put inside the container can be offered. A partially filled (i.e. with warm/not too hot water)
rubber hot water bottle can also be placed under the material lining the container’s bottom (e.g.
a towel) or wrapped in a towel so the cub can lie next to it. “The onset of suckling and
avoidance of injury can be facilitated by delaying examinations and routine handling of healthy
new nursery entries. (Read & Meier 1996). [Caution: cubs with sub-normal temperatures will
require heating from artificial heating sources to warm-up and will often require medical
treatment as well. Only afterwards should they be fed (i.e. slowly introduced to new formulas.]
Whether the cub is solitary or housed with other cubs it is essential that the handrearer
spend significant amounts of time interacting with each cub. Caretakers should move
quietly and slowly around cubs. Handrearers should engage in physical contact (i.e. holding and
gentle and reassuring or stimulating petting, massaging, and touching) and grooming behaviors
(i.e. bathing or rubbing cubs with a warm damp cloth) with each cub. Positive vocalizations
should be used frequently (i.e. use soothing or encouraging tones of voice/words, replicate
positive otter sounds like gentle humming,). “The handler, no matter how idiotic it seems,
should speak continuously and reassuringly to the animal. Otters [especially giant otters] are a
vocal species and respond well to vocalization, even of a human sort.” (Smeeton 2001). When
cubs are able/old enough to play, caretakers should engage in play activities with them.
Caretakers should soothe upset or scared cubs, toilet cubs, and introduce cubs to water,
swimming, food, and other environmental elements.
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