Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual - Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual - Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual - Association of Zoos and Aquariums
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<strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Zoos</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Aquariums</strong> 153<br />
<strong>Otter</strong> (<strong>Lutrinae</strong>) <strong>Care</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />
Appendix O: Female <strong>Otter</strong> Reintroduction Plan<br />
This plan was developed to reintroduce two females separated for several weeks. It is <strong>of</strong>fered as a<br />
template to follow when introducing females or any unfamiliar animals. Introductions should be planned in<br />
advance <strong>and</strong> based on individual institution policies, physical exhibit design, <strong>and</strong> individual animals.<br />
• Begin with one holding cage between them <strong>and</strong> visual access through mesh in holding.<br />
• Facility allowed for each animal to have one side <strong>of</strong> a separated exhibit. They were still with one<br />
holding cage between them at night.<br />
• After a few days, the otters were given continual access to side by side holding dens throughout<br />
the day <strong>and</strong> night.<br />
• <strong>Otter</strong>s were switched between exhibit sides every three days to reduce the chance <strong>of</strong> creating a<br />
territory.<br />
• Historically, otters have been introduced in holding then allowed on exhibit.<br />
• The first day <strong>of</strong> introductions seems to the have the most signs <strong>of</strong> aggression.<br />
• Start with short periods <strong>of</strong> introduction in holding, varying the time between 20 – 60 minutes. The<br />
time will vary according to signs <strong>of</strong> aggression.<br />
• Once the otters appear to be more comfortable with each other progress to introducing them in<br />
holding twice a day for a period <strong>of</strong> 30-60 minutes.<br />
• When both introduction sessions start going well, allow them access to the exhibit.<br />
• Watch for signs <strong>of</strong> aggression <strong>and</strong> adjust time together accordingly.<br />
• Each otter should be separated with visual access to one another overnight until confident that<br />
there is no chance for injury.<br />
Positive behaviors to look for during the introduction are playful wrestling, muzzle touching, social<br />
grooming, face pawing, submissive rolling over, resting together, <strong>and</strong> friendly vocalizations. These<br />
vocalizations are chirping, grunts or chuckling.<br />
Aggressive vocalizations are screaming, snarling, growling or grunting. Signs to look for requiring<br />
separation include aggressive chasing, aggressive wrestling, tension while dominance mounting, fighting<br />
with a lot <strong>of</strong> screaming, fighting with injuries, or sign <strong>of</strong> one trying to drown the other in the pool.<br />
Tools recommended having on h<strong>and</strong> when beginning introductions:<br />
• 3 brooms<br />
• 4 pairs <strong>of</strong> gloves<br />
• 2 hoses that are ready<br />
• 2 fire extinguishers<br />
• 3 mammal nets<br />
• 1 air horn<br />
• Tongs<br />
• Snake hook<br />
• Extra fish <strong>and</strong> treats<br />
By: Jessica Foti<br />
Date: June 4, 2006
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