International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

greater problems. I.e. the ability of giant otters to successfully rear cubs and adjust to
new/unusual situations has been adversely affected or seriously compromised. (Increased
negative responses, resulting from the new/unusual or cub-rearing situation, can occur alone or
in addition to any already existing mental and behavioral health problems that have been caused
by inappropriate enclosure conditions.)
For example, stress to giant otter parents rearing cubs has been responsible for many litter
losses. Stress, most especially results from human disturbances and presence during cubrearing,
although inadequate enclosure conditions (as described) can increase stress caused from
these sources and/or in itself create additional new stresses during cub-rearing. E.g. bored or
stressed parents or older siblings can excessively focus on, handle, play with, abuse, or kill cubs
or be responsible indirectly or directly for the cubs' death, as a result of having nothing else
better to focus their attentions on. Additionally, sometimes during cub-rearing giant otters may
have to be held in indoor enclosures (e.g. during cold weather or to offer privacy) and locked
out of their adjoining outdoor enclosures. It is very important that these generally smaller
indoor enclosures are properly furnished and designed to counteract the frustration, boredom,
etc. that otters, who normally have year-around outdoor access can likely experience. This is
also crucial in all small enclosures [i.e. enclosures below 240 m² (2,583.4 ft²)] such as
temporary holding areas, quarantine, or any enclosure, whether permanent or temporary. When
animals are moved to new enclosures or held in quarantine or temporary holding areas fear,
stress, boredom, and nervousness can be significantly reduced with just the appropriate
provisions aforementioned. Without such provisions, negative responses can increase, so that
the ability to successfully adjust to these new situations can be adversely affected or seriously
compromised and future healthy normal behavior (if the enclosure is a permanent/long-term
home) will not be possible in such conditions.
During introductions of unfamiliar animals and temporarily separated familiar otters, animals
need to take frequent breaks from the intensity and tension (and possibly fear) of the new
situation by having stimulating enclosures to focus their activities and attentions on. They also
need to refocus their attention on something else other than solely each other. (It is important to
remember that in addition to the otters having to adjust to each other, they also have to adjust to
a new enclosure, husbandry practices, keepers, etc. when they are moved from other locations
and this can cause additional stress. Also when otters are held in very small temporary holding
enclosures, such as in quarantine or separable enclosure areas (during visual introductions), this
may likely cause additional stress.) It is especially important that they have adequately furnished
and sufficient land area to focus on to relieve their stress etc. and focus on something else other
than the other otter. They also need sufficient land area to get away from each other and rest
alone. Focusing solely on each other and/or abnormally elevated or excessive negative
responses can cause introduction difficulties. It can result in serious fights and injuries. (See
below.) The other natural furnishings as recommended (see Chapter 2 Section 4), in addition to
the aforementioned essential enclosure conditions, helps further to reduce stress, boredom etc. in
all situations. Natural furnishings, such as plentiful large logs, bamboo stands (both live
growing and/or "man-made"), etc. and the aforementioned essential enclosure conditions will
also provide the following: enough land area and safe furnishings to allow an otter to get away
from the other animal, stay out of the other’s view, and rest alone in semi-private places when it
needs to take a break from the other otter or the intensity of the situation. (Note: nestboxes must
be closed during physical full-contact introductions.)
Substrates, deep digging areas, and land to water ratios (i.e. enough land area) as recommended
are the most important husbandry provisions needed to prevent mental and behavioral health
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