International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

Dear reader,
With this, the second and extended edition of the „Husbandry Guidelines” for the Giant Otter,
one of the most fascinating species in the world, Sheila Sykes-Gatz is providing us with the
most extensive and detailed volume that has ever been written about Giant Otters and their
management in captivity. Thus, the information given is essential for anybody interested in
Giant Otters. Sheila Sykes-Gatz has not only focussed on the external factors of Giant Otter
keeping but has also paid close attention to the “inside” of the animals themselves, trying to
examine their basic needs and find out about the factors that are most influential in the lives of
Giant Otters. She has accumulated a large amount of biological and ethological knowledge
about a species whose future is quite unsure. The Giant Otter is still ranking among the most
threatened mammal species in the world. The major reasons for that are all human-induced: the
destroying of their environment (forests along the river systems) and they are still being hunted
for their pelts and as rivals to the local fishing industries. Thus, any contribution to the welfare
of Giant Otters in captivity will add to the conservation of the species as part of our natural
heritage.
I would like to thank Sheila Sykes-Gatz for the immense work she has done. It is an important
contribution to the quality management of Giant Otters in the zoo.
Dortmund, March 2005
Dr. Frank Brandstätter
Director of Dortmund Zoo
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