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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Unfortunately, it is not always possible to h<strong>and</strong>rear giant otters together <strong>and</strong> negative<br />
consequences may result because of this or simply the fact that otters are h<strong>and</strong>reared by humans.<br />
Some h<strong>and</strong>reared carnivores may “…have difficulty fitting into a social group, exhibiting either<br />
excessive aggression or shyness. Animals raised without any carnivore contact may not fit in at<br />
all, preferring human contact to that of their own species.” (Read & Meier 1996). It also should<br />
be determined if there are “critical periods” for the social development of h<strong>and</strong>reared giant otter<br />
cubs. I.e. critical periods exist for the socialization of domestic dogs <strong>and</strong> therefore exotic<br />
species [such as giant otters], may also have a critical period (Read & Meier 1996).<br />
“Experiences, or lack of them, during these times may permanently affect the animal, resulting<br />
in abnormal adult behavior.” Additionally, cubs that are reared alone <strong>and</strong>/or are not socialized<br />
early enough in life with conspecifics may not only be unable to interact normally with<br />
conspecifics, but they may even reject or kill them when introduction does occur. They may<br />
also be unsuccessful at breeding <strong>and</strong> rearing offspring.<br />
On the other h<strong>and</strong> great caution must be taken as young giant otters, juveniles, sub-adults, or<br />
adults may fight with, injure or possibly, even kill unfamiliar young animals introduced to them.<br />
Unfortunately, reports of this do exist. Young otters have fought against other unfamiliar young<br />
otters <strong>and</strong> adults have fought against unfamiliar young animals <strong>and</strong> even familiar juveniles<br />
(Lazzarini pers. comm., Kranz pers. comm.). Even familiar temporarily separated otters have<br />
caused injury upon re-introduction. See Chapter 2 for more information on how to conduct safe<br />
introductions of unfamiliar otters <strong>and</strong> familiar otters that have been temporarily separated.<br />
Note: during h<strong>and</strong>rearing a dog might be helpful, in addition to human companionship, to<br />
provide additional stimulus <strong>and</strong> companionship. Although little is known about how successful<br />
or appropriate this practice would be, as this was known to have been used only with one giant<br />
otter <strong>and</strong> no further details are available. I.e. a dog had been used a companion for a giant otter<br />
with one of the first giant otters kept in Germany...[<strong>and</strong>] it might be interesting for evaluation if<br />
this is also feasible for giant otters [during h<strong>and</strong>rearing] (Wünnemann, pers. comm., 2004).<br />
This practice although has been used with other species <strong>and</strong> it has been successful. E.g.<br />
domestic cats or dogs have been successfully used for companion animals during the<br />
h<strong>and</strong>rearing of golden cats <strong>and</strong> tigers (Wünnemann, pers. comm., 2004).<br />
Institutions that h<strong>and</strong>rear orphaned wild giant otters should possess <strong>and</strong>/or provide the<br />
following: appropriate care <strong>and</strong> facilities, h<strong>and</strong>rearing experience, thorough documentation,<br />
open communication, <strong>and</strong> information sharing. It would also be helpful if they could carry out<br />
scientific research on h<strong>and</strong>rearing practices <strong>and</strong> cub development. Because reports indicate that<br />
the mortality rate of h<strong>and</strong>reared orphaned wild otters released back into the wild has been very<br />
high, h<strong>and</strong>rearers should be open to the option to transfer otters to zoos/institutions to facilitate<br />
breeding success in captivity. Which institutions are available to receive wild orphaned cubs for<br />
h<strong>and</strong>rearing needs to be determined. The development, organization, <strong>and</strong> communication of a<br />
broad base of international facilities that are qualified to h<strong>and</strong>rear orphaned otters need to be<br />
encouraged. H<strong>and</strong>rearers should be encouraged to join a communication network so that<br />
connections <strong>and</strong> information sharing can be easily accomplished. Persons who can volunteer<br />
their services as translators should be organized to help assist communications. <strong>International</strong><br />
meetings / conferences involving professional <strong>and</strong> experienced h<strong>and</strong>rearers should be organized.<br />
Any institution/person who receives orphaned wild cubs/otters should thoroughly investigate<br />
<strong>and</strong> document why <strong>and</strong> how the otter became orphaned <strong>and</strong> where its original family exists.<br />
Known events that occurred from the time it was separated from its wild parents until it was<br />
received <strong>and</strong> all persons involved should be recorded. This information should be given to the<br />
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