International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

Introduction
This manual is a second edition to the “Husbandry and Management of the Giant Otter
(Pteronura brasiliensis)” (Sykes-Gatz 2001). This revised, expanded, and updated version
should be used as replacement for the 2004 manual that was distributed in the ISIS 2004
CD Library, the 2004/2005 version previously distributed with a similar name, as well as
the 1 st edition manual just aforementioned. The guidelines within this manual should be
used instead of the recommendations for giant otters presented within the “Zoo Standards
for Keeping Otters in Captivity” (2002, 2003 & 2004) AZA Otter Species Survival Plan
(SSP). Note: Sheila Sykes-Gatz is listed as a co-writer of this particular AZA document. Some
specific information regarding only the care of giant otters within that publication is incorrect.
This manual is divided into multiple categories, parts, sections, and chapters that deal with
specific areas of interest. Within Chapter 2 some information overlaps in different sections and
some crucial information has been made redundant on purpose for readers who wish only to
refer to particular sections or parts rather than Chapter 2 or the manual in its entirety.
It is hoped that this manual will stimulate communication and information sharing among all
institutions holding giant otters, as well as increase awareness of the existent problems of this
species in captivity and encourage actions needed to resolve them. A broad overview of
husbandry and management information is included. It expands upon the recommendations that
were presented within the 1 st edition manual and covers a wider variety of topics. For example,
the individual land to water area ratio necessary for each enclosure, as well as separable
enclosure area, below 240 m² (2,583.4 ft²) in size and a minimum size for indoor enclosures that
attach to outdoor enclosures in temperate climates are presented within this manual. (Note: each
enclosure below 240 m² (2,583.4 ft²) in size, requires a different land to water area ratio based
on its particular size.) Specific recommendations for these situations were not included within
the 1 st edition. Discussions on specific substrates necessary for all enclosure land and floor
areas and the size of the area and depth needed for deep digging areas are expanded upon within
this manual. (These issues are of great importance, so they are emphasized within the 2 nd
edition.)
These guidelines are based upon a compilation of the research, experiences and contributions
from the zoos/institutions that have held giant otters in captivity world-wide and historically and
from those who have studied this species in the wild. This information was gathered from
published and unpublished papers/studies, survey results, conferences, lectures, and personal
communications. In 1997 the “South American Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) Husbandry,
Management, and Historical Census Survey” (Sykes 1997-99) was sent to 28 zoos and
institutions that hold or held giant otters. These 4 and 8 page surveys gathered information on
captive husbandry and management practices, basic life history data, reproduction, and behavior
of giant otters at the corresponding institution. Sixteen or 57% of the institutions surveyed
responded to the questionnaire. The continuation of information collection from the
aforementioned and other institutions has been on-going during and since the completion of the
original survey. This is vital so that knowledge about these animals can be increased and shared
with all. The invaluable information provided by the all of the aforementioned sources
helped make these recommendations possible. All of those who made contributions are
credited within this manual for the specific information they provided. All are also listed under
the section “Contributing Institutions”. Any additional information that persons would like to
contribute for future editions are most welcome and appreciated. Please contact the
compiler/author of this manual. See below for the contact information.
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