International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

introductions to detect tensions and stress that indicate that serious fights may develop if the
otters are introduced physically or to detect that serious fights may develop with animals that
have just been introduced with full-contact.
Methods and provisions necessary to avoid or reduce the chance that these problems develop are
simple and inexpensive to provide, although too often enclosures have been designed without
these considerations in mind. In many cases enclosures can be modified after they have been
built and husbandry methods can be adapted so that the necessary conditions can be offered
during introductions. In some cases although it may be difficult or impossible to introduce
otters in a comfortable manner or there might be no way the enclosure can be modified to allow
visual introductions. E.g. there may be no other option but to offer the unfamiliar otters with a
very small area (such as connecting dens) to stay in during the short (e.g. one to a few weeks)
non-physical contact phase of the introduction period. Though the otters should be rotated and
exposed to each separable area within the enclosure during the visual introduction, so that both
are familiar with all enclosure areas, both otters will at some time be confined in a small area
(e.g. dens), which could become stressful and frustrating. In addition, the area where otters can
actually make visual-acoustic-olfactory contact and spend time with each other in this way, will
likely not be large enough to have an optimally successful introduction. (Small visual
introduction areas, such as through small introduction (howdy) shift doors, can be frustrating for
both otters and will negatively affect the situation.) It is essential that giant otter enclosures are
designed with these considerations in mind to avoid these problems. See Chapter 2 Section 18
for information on introductions and enclosure locations and designs needed for introductions.
The otters' ability to successfully rear cubs and adjust to new/unusual situations has been
adversely affected or seriously compromised when inappropriate enclosure conditions have
been offered. See Chapter 2 Sections 3B, 10, & 18 and just above for this discussion.
Great emphasis has been placed on all of the aforementioned matters within this manual. It is
essential to increase awareness of these existent issues and to encourage actions needed to
resolve them.
Section 4
Part A. Health Problems, Viral Diseases & Vaccinations
Cub, juvenile, and sub-adult deaths resulting from medical illnesses not related to those caused
by parental neglect/abuse because of human disturbances/stress to the parents, remain a
problem. Leptospirosis, parvovirus, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, internal bleeding, and exposure
to continually very damp/wet conditions have been reported as reasons for death. This aspect is
largely unstudied on an international level. It is crucial that such research be carried out. The
affects of severe inbreeding (i.e. inherited thyroid malfunctions that resulted in litter losses)
should also be given immediate international attention. Many cubs have died from pneumonia,
enteritis, malnutrition, and intestinal invagination because of parental neglect/abuse. See
Section 2 above for more information on these issues. See “Additional Health Problems /
Topics of Giant Otters” below and health problems caused by inappropriate enclosure
conditions under Section 3 above and Chapter 2 Section 3. See a discussion on false
pregnancies and female reproductive capabilities (estrus, bearing litters etc.) during late age
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