International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
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Section 5<br />
H<strong>and</strong>rearing Captive-Born <strong>and</strong> Wild-Born Orphaned Cubs<br />
Little information on giant otter h<strong>and</strong>rearing has been maintained, studied, published or shared<br />
among institutions. Therefore many questions exist <strong>and</strong> many issues are in need of immediate<br />
international attention <strong>and</strong> scientific study. Field researchers, h<strong>and</strong>rearers, <strong>and</strong> those who work<br />
with giant otters in captivity have requested information to help them make comparisons with<br />
other cubs (in the wild <strong>and</strong> in captivity) or/<strong>and</strong> improve management practices. Because much<br />
information has been unavailable or is not known, such benefits could not be gained. It must be<br />
stressed that some vital information, important to increasing knowledge of giant otters, can be<br />
gathered only from cubs that are h<strong>and</strong>reared (i.e. cub physical development, body temperatures<br />
etc.). <strong>Giant</strong> otters that are reared by parents in the wild <strong>and</strong> in captivity must not be disturbed<br />
by humans to gather this particular information, as it could lead to the loss of the litter because<br />
of massive disturbance/stress to the parents/family group. H<strong>and</strong>rearers are urged to share their<br />
experiences <strong>and</strong> expertise so that all may benefit. It is essential that this information is recorded<br />
<strong>and</strong> openly shared with the international professional community to help increase overall<br />
knowledge <strong>and</strong> awareness of the existent problems <strong>and</strong> to encourage scientific study <strong>and</strong><br />
problem resolution. This will help to improve management practices for animals in captivity<br />
<strong>and</strong> as well, will help conservation efforts in the wild.<br />
Detailed records <strong>and</strong> scientific study on h<strong>and</strong>rearing practices, physical <strong>and</strong> behavioral cub<br />
development, health issues, <strong>and</strong> progress / success of cubs released in the wild or held in<br />
captivity should be maintained / carried out for all captive-born <strong>and</strong> orphaned wild-born<br />
h<strong>and</strong>reared cubs. The “hacking out” process of wild orphaned cubs should also be h<strong>and</strong>led in<br />
this manner. The nutritional content of mother’s milk (i.e. samples must be gathered after litter<br />
loss only), the most successful/appropriate milk replacers for cubs (esp. those under one month<br />
old), <strong>and</strong> the optimal age to start a slow gradual weaning process should also be investigated.<br />
Information about these issues can be found in Chapter 5 <strong>and</strong> below.<br />
For example, commercially prepared milk replacer formulas for carnivores, esp. Esbilac TM , are<br />
highly recommended to rear all river otter cubs. Although, commercially prepared milk<br />
replacers for human babies or cow’s milk (for human consumption) which are not<br />
recommended for use, have been most commonly used to rear giant otter cubs. Interestingly,<br />
these formulas have been used with success. The nutritional content (esp. percentages / types of<br />
fat, protein, lactose etc.) of giant otter mother’s milk should be analyzed for comparison to the<br />
variety of milk replacers available/used for this species. This information could then be used to<br />
formulate <strong>and</strong>/or recommend types or br<strong>and</strong>s of milk replacers that are most optimal to rear<br />
giant otters specifically. (See husb<strong>and</strong>ry training to attain milk samples after litter loss only,<br />
under Section 4 Part C above <strong>and</strong> Chapter 4). Additionally, concerning an effective milk<br />
replacer for giant otter cubs less than approx. one month old, either no information is reported<br />
or formula fairly tried <strong>and</strong> found successful. It is most important to develop/find formulas that<br />
could be used successfully in these cases. If a successful formula is already known, but not<br />
reported, h<strong>and</strong>rearers are encouraged to share this vital information with the professional<br />
community. The research on milk replacer formulas currently used for giant otters should be<br />
exp<strong>and</strong>ed <strong>and</strong> be studied in more detail. For example, studies should be conducted to determine<br />
if the formulas currently used have been successful on every h<strong>and</strong>reared cub <strong>and</strong> to what degree<br />
are the cub’s total nutritional needs met with these formulas. The existence of lactose<br />
intolerance should be studied, as well as, if or when vitamin, mineral, oil, or rice cereal<br />
supplements are necessary. (See Chapter 5 Section 5 for details.)<br />
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