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Caring for Asian Small-Clawed, Cape Clawless, Nearctic, and Spotted-Necked Otters

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Caring for Asian Small-Clawed, Cape Clawless, Nearctic, and Spotted-Necked Otters Version 3, 9 December 2009 Caring for Asian small-clawed, Cape clawless, Nearctic, and spotted-necked otters Photo credit: Jennifer Potter, Calgary Zoo Jan Reed-Smith, Celeste (Dusty) Lombardi, Barb Henry, Gwen Myers, D.V.M., Jessica Foti, and Juan Sabalones. 2009 1 Acknowledgments We would like to thank the many wildlife professionals who participated in the creation of this document. These professionals represent zoos, aquaria, wildlife parks, and rehabilitation facilities from non-affiliated organizations as well as members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA). We appreciate all they have contributed to our increasing understanding of these fascinating species. We also greatly appreciate their willingness to share their expertise with us. Special thanks go to the external reviewers, Dr. Merav Ben-David (University of Wyoming) and Grace Yoxon (International Otter Survival Fund) for taking the time read preliminary drafts and to share their expertise. We also thank the IUCN Otter Specialist Group for broadening the distribution of this living document by posting it on their website (http://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/). Photo Credits: Our thanks go out to the photographers who allowed us to incorporate their work: Jason Theuman – N.A. river otter female and pups (this page); Jennifer Brink – Asian small-clawed otter family (page 7); Unknown – Cape clawless otter (page 8); Doug Kjos – N.A. otter group (page 9); Jenna Kocourek- spotted-necked otter (page 9); Jennifer Potter – N.A. otter (page 15). Manual use and objectives This otter care guide is a compilation of professional experience to provide guidance to all professionals working with these species in a captive setting. Recommendations set out in this manual are just that, recommendations. Individual institutions should establish their own policies to fit their particular needs. It is important to remember that every situation is different, every animal is different. None of the authors or organizations consulted for the creation of this document supports the keeping of otters as pets. Otters can be dangerous, inflict serious bites, and require specialized care and knowledge to properly provide for their needs. Photo: Jason Theuman, Buttonwood Park Zoo, N. A. river otter female and pups. \ 2 Table of Contents Taxonomy ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Natural History/Description ........................................................................................................................ 7 CHAPTER 1 Ambient Environment ............................................................................................................. 10 Temperature and Humidity .................................................................................................................... 10 Air temperature .................................................................................................................... 10 Water temperature ............................................................................................................... 10 Humidity ................................................................................................................................ 10 Light ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 Water and Air Quality ............................................................................................................................. 11 Air changes ............................................................................................................................ 11 Water quality ........................................................................................................................ 11 Drinking water....................................................................................................................... 13 Sound ...................................................................................................................................................... 13 CHAPTER 2. Physical Environment ............................................................................................................. 14 Space and Complexity............................................................................................................................. 14 Land/water ratio ................................................................................................................... 14 Exhibit complexity – terrestrial ............................................................................................. 14 Exhibit complexity – aquatic ................................................................................................. 15 Exhibit design and species-appropriate behaviors ................................................................................. 15 Sensory barriers ...................................................................................................................................... 16 Enclosure cleaning .................................................................................................................................. 17 Safety and Containment ......................................................................................................................... 17 CHAPTER 3: Transport ................................................................................................................................ 19 Preparations ........................................................................................................................................... 19 Pre-shipment exams ............................................................................................................. 19 Crate requirements ............................................................................................................... 19 Transportation Protocols ........................................................................................................................ 20 Food and water ..................................................................................................................... 20 Bedding and substrate .......................................................................................................... 20 Temperature ......................................................................................................................... 20 Light and sound ..................................................................................................................... 20 Animal monitoring ................................................................................................................ 20 Emergencies .......................................................................................................................... 20 Post-transport release .......................................................................................................... 21 CHAPTER 5: Social Environment ................................................................................................................ 22 Group Structure and Size ........................................................................................................................ 22 Single-sexed groups .............................................................................................................. 23 Influence of Other Species and Conspecifics .......................................................................................... 24 3 Mixed-species exhibits .......................................................................................................... 25 Introductions and Reintroductions......................................................................................................... 25 CHAPTER 5: Nutrition ................................................................................................................................. 27 Nutritional Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 27 Table 1: Target dietary nutrient ranges for otters (dry matter basis). ................................. 27 Table 2: Target nutrient ranges for carnivorous species (dry matter basis) ........................ 28 Changing nutrient requirements – age ................................................................................. 29 Changing nutrient requirements – reproduction ................................................................. 29 Seasonal changes in nutritional needs ................................................................................. 29 Weight loss ............................................................................................................................ 29 Diets ........................................................................................................................................................ 30 Sample diets .........................................................................................................................
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