Caring for Selected Otter Species (Asian small-clawed, Cape ...

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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
Page 1: Version 3, 9 December 2009 Caring f
Page 5 and 6: Pup development ...................
Page 7 and 8: * Some recent resources are still u
Page 9 and 10: This semi-aquatic species is found
Page 11 and 12: Facilities that rely on climate con
Page 13 and 14: - Chlorine: Chlorine can be used, i
Page 15 and 16: The minimum exhibit size (including
Page 17 and 18: olfactory, and audio separation to
Page 19 and 20: CHAPTER 3: Transport Preparations T
Page 21 and 22: oth institutions notified as quickl
Page 23 and 24: The only social grouping not recomm
Page 25 and 26: a daily basis, allowing all animals
Page 27 and 28: CHAPTER 5: Nutrition Nutritional Re
Page 29 and 30: Diet formulation should account for
Page 31 and 32: • Grated fruit and vegetables: ca
Page 33 and 34: - Vitamin E: 400 IU/kg dry weight b
Page 35 and 36: Preventive Medicine It is important
Page 37 and 38: Parasite control Otters should have
Page 39 and 40: Urination Defecation Frequency, amo
Page 41 and 42: - Ketamine: 12-15mg/kg & midazolam:
Page 43 and 44: Kimber, K. DVM, G.V. Kollias DVM, P
Page 45 and 46: Pair management Group management Si
Page 47 and 48: infections, which frequently cause
Page 49 and 50: Gestation is roughly 60-63 days (R.
Page 51 and 52: L. canadensis: Pups can be removed
Page 53 and 54:
and scattered around the enclosure.
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formula feeding and 8-10% body wt i
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3:1* 22.90 10.97 8.63 1.54 1.59 1.5
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- First spots seen ~6 days, whitish
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CHAPTER 8: Behavior Management Anim
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Behavior Verbal cue Visual cue Crit
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- Can it be used as a weapon - Can
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Factors that should be considered w
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CHAPTER 9: Education/Conservation M
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References AAFCO 1994. Association
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Gatz, V. 2002. Protected contact tr
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Arbeitstagung der Zootierärzte im
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Yerke, R. and A. Burns. 1993. Evalu
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APPENDIX A: Photos Included here ar
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Squeeze cage design used by several
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niacin helps the body to convert en
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APPENDIX C: Pup Weights of Captive
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APPENDIX D: List of Commonly Traine
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APPENDIX E: Enrichment Items Common
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APPENDIX F: Resources for Enrichmen
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Bloomsmith M, Laule G, Thurston R,
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Age of Game Fish in Ozark Otter Sto
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The husbandry, maintenance, enginee
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o o o o o Microbiology Incubator Fu
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APPENDIX 1: GLOSSARY OF RELEVANT TE
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The use of any filtering substance
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION Project: Otter
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Have you ever failed to complete an
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OTTER EXHIBIT LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM R
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1. Inspection a. Examination: The c
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APPENDIX 3: DISINFECTION Bromine Br
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In its liquid form (sodium hypochlo
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APPENDIX 4: SKIMMER BOXES All skimm
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119
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APPENDIX 5: ALGAE CONTROL Algae in
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APPENDIX I: Female Otter Reintroduc
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Version 3, 9 December 2009 APPENDIX
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____________ live in aquatic ______
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Otter is hungry. Can you help him f
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