Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual - Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Association of Zoos and Aquariums 132
Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual
Appendix N: Basic Considerations in the Design and Maintenance of
Otter Exhibit Life Support Systems
FOREWORD
This document fulfills two objectives, 1) providing information on maintaining pools in otter exhibits
(see Appendices) and 2) providing information to those who are thinking about building a new otter exhibit
(or renovating an existing one) regarding some of the basic variables to consider. In our experience many
operational problems stem from the design phase, and it can sometimes be useful to go back to the
design and construction phase for answers.
Those with an existing exhibit and/ or with a specific issue may skip past the Planning and Design
sections straight to the appendices.
APPENDICES
1 Glossary of relevant terms
2 Request for proposal (RFP) [abridged form]
3 Disinfection
4 Skimmer boxes
5 Algae Control
Those with more detailed questions may contact the author at: juan.sabalones@marylandzoo.org
INTRODUCTION
Aquatic systems in zoos include:
1. Aquariums.
2. Aquatic exhibits which feature aquatic animals (otters, polar bears, crocodilians, etc.). Fish may
or may not be displayed.
3. Water features i.e. ponds, lakes, waterfalls and streams (natural and man made) which may or
may not feature deliberately introduced exhibit animals.
4. Interactive experiences such as water rides and children’s “splash zones”. Swimming pool
regulations may apply.
5. Various combinations of the aforementioned systems.
Otter exhibits generally fall into the second category. Anyone planning to build a new otter exhibit or
to renovate an existing one will have a variety of issues to consider. Each institution will have varying
circumstances affecting how they approach the project. Nevertheless, there are number of basic steps
that can be followed regardless of the situation. While it is beyond the scope of this chapter to go into any
great detail, we have included some appendices to expand on some of the more salient issues.
PLANNING AND DESIGN
Typically, a planning and design team will be formed for the initial phase of the project. In addition to
management and exhibit designers, the expertise of the following parties is needed to achieve the best
results:
• Operations
The husbandry, maintenance, engineering and exhibits, etc. staff have dealt with the
idiosyncrasies of exhibiting particular flora and fauna. At this initial stage, the designers can use
their input to help make the system more practical and ergonomic. Once the project gets past a
certain point in the construction phase, changes becomes very difficult if not, for all practical
purposes, impossible. In addition, because each aquatic system is a custom installation, problem
solving is much easier if the operating staff has a good understanding of the design and
construction phase of their system.
• Project Manager
Someone should serve as liaison and coordinator between the staff, the contractors and the part
of the institution that approves the financial expenditures. Experience in designing, building and
operating similar exhibits can be very useful. Experience with both roles, i.e. in managing
contractors and in being a contractor, is also highly desirable. A project manager should strike a
balance between what is desired and what is possible within the constraints of the overall master