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

Transportation Protocols
Transport protocols should be well defined and clear to all animal care staff.
Food and water
IATA requires that the crate allows for feeding and watering of the animal if needed. The food and water
ports should be clearly marked on the outside of the crate. In case of delay on long flights, provisions should be
made for feeding in transit (this may necessitate shipping food with the animal).
Otters do not normally require additional food and water during transport for periods up to 24 hours. If
unforeseen delays occur, canned dog food or cat food may be offered. Adequate moisture is present in these
foods to take care of water needs during short periods. A metal bowl may be attached to the corner of the crate;
this should be accessible from the outside. Always check for any specific IATA or shipping carrier regulations or
requirements.
Bedding and substrate
Bedding such as straw or shavings should be placed in the transport container for the animal’s comfort
and absorption of feces and urine. Types of bedding material allowed should be checked with the airline. In order
to separate urine and feces from the animal, IATA requires a drop tray be fixed to the floor of the crate and filled
with absorbent material.
Temperature
Temperatures of 7.2-26.7°C (45-80°F) that are permitted by the airlines for transport are not appropriate
at the high end for otter species. Otters should not be exposed to 21.1°C (70°F) temperatures for periods longer
than 15 minutes when contained in a shipping crate. These animals can easily overheat at elevated temperatures
(21.1°C or 70°F and higher), especially when stressed and/or contained in a shipping crate. While this is a more
restrictive temperature range than previously recommended, past experience has shown that otters quickly
overheat and succumb to hyperthermia. Animals in unheated vehicles should not be exposed to temperatures less
than 7.2°C (45°F).
A. cinereus: A. cinereus should not be exposed to drafty 7.2°C (45°F) temperatures for extended periods.
This also may be true for L. maculicollis, but it is not known at this time and requires further research.
L. canadensis: L. canadensis exhibit a low heat tolerance, and should not be shipped when temperatures
are forecasted to exceed 21.1°C (70°F) at transfer locations.
Light and sound
As far as possible, noise should be kept to a minimum (including sudden loud noises, constant high-pitch
noises, or anything considered uncomfortable to people), and the animal kept in low light conditions. Mesh doors
or side windows (i.e., as in air kennels) should be covered with a breathable, opaque material to allow for
ventilation and privacy for the animal (Ott Joslin & Collins 1999). These basic noise reduction precautions will help
reduce stress from sudden, frightening sounds, and low light will provide a minimal sense of security for species
that hide in small, dark spaces (e.g., dens) when frightened.
Animal monitoring
Otters should not be maintained in shipping containers for longer than 24 hours without food and water.
Directions on what should be done in the case of an emergency that necessitates animal treatment should
accompany all animal shipments. If access to an animal is required due to illness or extended shipment delays, the
shipping/receiving institutions should be notified, and the crate should be transferred to the nearest zoo or
veterinary clinic prepared to handle the animal.
Emergencies
In case of emergencies contact information for the shipping and recipient zoos should be included on the
paper work and the crate. If an otter escapes the animals should be closed into a confined space (if possible) and
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