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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Chapter 2 Section 3). For example, during cub-rearing in colder temperatures otter families<br />
may need to be held in indoor enclosures, without outdoor access, for as long as 4-5<br />
months. This fact alone <strong>and</strong> the problems that can arise from the aforementioned inappropriate<br />
conditions must be given careful consideration when indoor enclosures are designed <strong>and</strong><br />
furnished. E.g. problems can include very damp/wet conditions that can cause cub<br />
infection/death <strong>and</strong> other health problems, behavioral problems that negatively affect cub-rearing<br />
success, etc. Providing space that is large enough for the entire family to be able to sufficiently<br />
(i.e. to maintain behavioral <strong>and</strong> physical health) <strong>and</strong> comfortably carry out all of their terrestrial<br />
<strong>and</strong> aquatic activities during these long periods (or any extended cold periods, whether cubrearing<br />
or not) must also be considered.<br />
In temperate climates <strong>and</strong> when adjoining outdoor enclosures are at least 165 m² in size,<br />
indoor enclosures should provide at least a 60 m 2 (645.84 ft²) area where terrestrial, <strong>and</strong><br />
when necessary aquatic activities, can be carried out. If water areas are not necessary<br />
indoors, the minimum size recommendation remains the same. Additional space for dens<br />
containing nestboxes is also needed. The total indoor enclosure area should be a minimum<br />
of 75 m 2 (807.3 ft²) in size when outdoor enclosures, that are at least 165 m² (1,776 ft²) in<br />
size or above, are provided in temperate climates <strong>and</strong> when otters have access to both<br />
enclosures. This is certainly not an optimal size, instead it is only minimal. In a 75 m 2 (807.3<br />
ft²) enclosure (that requires a swim area), the l<strong>and</strong> area must constitute approx. 77.19% (or 57.89<br />
m 2 [623 ft²] l<strong>and</strong> area) of the total enclosure area. A 165 m² enclosure requires 67.81% l<strong>and</strong><br />
area. Both outdoor <strong>and</strong> indoor enclosures combined should be at least a total minimum size of<br />
240 m 2 . It is important to note that if indoor enclosures do not provide access to outdoor<br />
enclosures they should be at least 240 m 2 (2,583.4 ft²) in total size.<br />
Following are examples of giant otter enclosures:<br />
Criatorio Crocodilo Safari (Brazil) has a huge natural outdoor giant otter exhibit that is 14<br />
hectares (34.6 acres) in size. Cuiabá Zoo’s (Brazil) very expansive natural outdoor enclosure<br />
measures 4,282 m 2 (46,091.4 ft²) (Marcato de Oliveira 1995; Louzada da Silva, pers. comm.<br />
1998). The enclosure has natural underground dens. Americana Zoo’s (Brazil) 895 m 2<br />
(9,633.78 ft²) expansive natural outdoor enclosure contains a 519 m 2 (5,586.51 ft²) natural pool<br />
<strong>and</strong> 376 m 2 (4,047.26 ft²) l<strong>and</strong> area. Chestnut Centre’s (UK) 767 m 2 (8,255.98 ft²) natural<br />
deciduous forest outdoor exhibit, with a 1:1 l<strong>and</strong> to water area, connects to a 64 m 2 (688.9 ft²)<br />
heated indoor living area plus additional area for dens with nestboxes. <strong>Otter</strong>s are given access<br />
to both areas all year. The outdoor enclosure includes a natural pond (with a maximum pond<br />
depth of 2 m [6.56 ft]), stream, <strong>and</strong> swamp area, all with aquatic vegetation. The pond, dug by<br />
man, is naturally fed with flow through spring water via the stream. Vegetation is allowed to<br />
grow naturally throughout the enclosure <strong>and</strong> areas of deep s<strong>and</strong> are additionally provided.<br />
Brasilia Zoo (Brazil) has two expansive semi-natural outdoor exhibits covered with soft loose<br />
soil <strong>and</strong> vegetation. The enclosures have plentiful hillsides where the otters have dug many<br />
underground dens. Each exhibit measures 635 m 2 (6,835.14ft²) with a 105 m 2 (1,130.22 ft²)<br />
pool <strong>and</strong> an 85% l<strong>and</strong> to 15% water ratio. Dortmund Zoo’s (Germany) 350 m 2 (3,767.4 ft²)<br />
outdoor enclosure connects to a 90m 2 (968.76 ft²) heated indoor exhibit. <strong>Otter</strong>s have access to<br />
both enclosures all year. The indoor <strong>and</strong> outdoor enclosure l<strong>and</strong> is covered with mulch <strong>and</strong>/or<br />
s<strong>and</strong>, deep digging areas, deep leaf piles, live growing <strong>and</strong> "man-made bamboo st<strong>and</strong>s", <strong>and</strong><br />
logs etc.. Trees <strong>and</strong> bushes are also provided outdoors. All pools are furnished with large logs,<br />
branches, <strong>and</strong> boulders. Sorocaba Zoo (Brazil) has a 314 m 2 (3,379.89 ft²) outdoor enclosure<br />
with a 119 m 2 (1,280.91 ft²) pool <strong>and</strong> an approx. 60% l<strong>and</strong> to 40% water ratio.<br />
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