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SEA OTTER (Enhydra Lutris) CARE MANUAL

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SEA OTTER (Enhydra Lutris) CARE MANUAL SEA OTTER (Enhydra lutris) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY THE AZA MARINE MAMMAL TAXON ADVISORY GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AZA ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) Care Manual Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in collaboration with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee. Formal Citation: AZA Marine Mammal TAG (2019). Sea Otter Care Manual. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD. Original Completion Date: 2018 Authors: C.J. Casson, Seattle Aquarium Michael Murray, DVM, Monterey Bay Aquarium Andrew Johnson, Monterey Bay Aquarium Traci Belting, Seattle Aquarium Significant Contributors: Carrie Goertz, DVM, Alaska SeaLife Center Reviewers: Laura Yeates, PhD David Casper, DVM University of California Santa Cruz AZA Staff Editors: Rebecca Greenberg, Animal Programs Coordinator Haley Gordon, Conservation & Science Program Assistant Raven Spencer, AZA Conservation, Management & Welfare Sciences Intern Kathryn Juliano, Conservation Science and Education Intern Lacey Byrnes, Animal Care Manual Intern Cover Photo Credits: C.J. Casson Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management. The manual assembles basic requirements, best practices, and animal care recommendations to maximize capacity for excellence in animal care and welfare. The manual should be considered a work in progress, since practices continue to evolve through advances in scientific knowledge. The use of information within this manual should be in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the care of animals. While some government laws and regulations may be referenced in this manual, these are not all-inclusive nor is this manual intended to serve as an evaluation tool for those agencies. The recommendations included are not meant to be exclusive management approaches, diets, medical treatments, or procedures, and may require adaptation to meet the specific needs of individual animals and particular circumstances in each institution. Commercial entities and media identified are not necessarily endorsed by AZA. The statements presented throughout the body of the manual do not represent AZA standards of care unless specifically identified as such in clearly marked sidebar boxes. Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2 Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) Care Manual Table of Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5 Taxonomic Classification ...................................................................................................................... 5 Genus, Species, and Status ................................................................................................................. 5 General Information ............................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ............................................................................................ 8 1.1 Temperature and Humidity ............................................................................................................ 8 1.2 Light ................................................................................................................................................... 9 1.3 Water and Air Quality ...................................................................................................................... 9 1.4 Sound and Vibration ..................................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .........................................................................12 2.1 Space and Complexity .................................................................................................................. 12 2.2 Safety and Containment ............................................................................................................... 17 Chapter 3. Records .................................................................................................................21 3.1 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 21 3.2 Types of Records .......................................................................................................................... 21 3.3 Permit Considerations .................................................................................................................. 22 3.4 Government Ownership ............................................................................................................... 23 3.5 Identification ................................................................................................................................... 24 Chapter 4. Transport ...............................................................................................................26 4.1 Preparations ................................................................................................................................... 26 4.2 Protocols ......................................................................................................................................... 31 Chapter 5. Social Environment ..............................................................................................34 5.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................ 34 5.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ........................................................................................ 35 5.3 Introductions and Reintroductions .............................................................................................. 36 Chapter 6. Nutrition.................................................................................................................37 6.1 Nutritional Requirements .............................................................................................................. 37 6.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................................ 41 6.3 Nutritional Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 45 Chapter 7. Veterinary Care .....................................................................................................46 7.1 Veterinary Services ....................................................................................................................... 46 7.2 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ........................................ 47 7.3 Quarantine ...................................................................................................................................... 47 7.4 Preventive Medicine ...................................................................................................................... 52 7.5 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ...................................................................................... 56 7.6 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation.............................................. 60 Chapter 8. Reproduction ........................................................................................................68 8.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ..................................................................................... 68 8.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology ............................................................................................ 69 8.3 Pregnancy and Parturition ........................................................................................................... 70 8.4 Birthing Facilities ........................................................................................................................... 72 8.5 Assisted Rearing ........................................................................................................................... 73 8.6 Contraception ................................................................................................................................. 74 Chapter 9. Behavior Management ..........................................................................................77 9.1 Animal Training .............................................................................................................................. 77 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3 Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) Care Manual 9.2 Environmental Enrichment ........................................................................................................... 78 9.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ...................................................................................................... 80 9.4 Staff Skills and Training ................................................................................................................ 81 Chapter 10. Ambassador Animals .........................................................................................82 10.1 Ambassador Animal Policy ........................................................................................................ 82 10.2 Institutional
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