International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

after their return to the river. The giant otter rehabilitation program at Karanambu offered
residents and visitors a unique opportunity to closely observe and study this species in both
captivity and in its natural habitat.” (McTurk & Spelman 2004)
The international educational and awareness programs to inform persons living near giant otter
habitat as to why they should not remove giant otters from the wild (i.e. for pets, etc.) and what
to do if they see a stranded cub should be further expanded. Governments (both local and
federal), wildlife authorities, conservation groups, park officials, police, zoological institutions,
and wildlife rehabilitation centers/handrearers should be advised on how to deal with
individuals illegally holding giant otters and the seriousness of this issue. The facilities that
abandoned or confiscated otters can be taken to for appropriate care should also be made known
when necessary.
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