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

Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3
Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................5
Taxonomic Classification......................................................................................................................5
Genus, Species, and Status.................................................................................................................5
General Information...............................................................................................................................5
Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ........................................................................................................8
1.1 Temperature and Humidity ............................................................................................................8
1.2 Light...................................................................................................................................................9
1.3 Water and Air Quality....................................................................................................................10
1.4 Sound and Vibration .....................................................................................................................12
Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment ..................................................................................13
2.1 Space and Complexity..................................................................................................................13
2.2 Safety and Containment...............................................................................................................18
Chapter 3. Transport .............................................................................................................................21
3.1 Preparations...................................................................................................................................21
3.2 Protocols.........................................................................................................................................22
Chapter 4. Social Environment...........................................................................................................24
4.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................24
4.2 Influence of Other Species and Conspecifics...........................................................................27
4.3 Introductions and Reintroductions ..............................................................................................28
Chapter 5. Nutrition ...............................................................................................................................30
5.1 Nutritional Requirements..............................................................................................................30
5.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................................34
5.3 Nutritional Evaluations..................................................................................................................37
Chapter 6. Veterinary Care ..................................................................................................................38
6.1 Veterinary Services.......................................................................................................................38
6.2 Identification Methods...................................................................................................................38
6.3 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations........................................39
6.4 Quarantine......................................................................................................................................39
6.5 Preventive Medicine......................................................................................................................41
6.6 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization......................................................................................47
6.7 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation..............................................48
Chapter 7. Reproduction......................................................................................................................53
7.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior.....................................................................................53
7.2 Artificial Insemination....................................................................................................................64
7.3 Pregnancy and Parturition ...........................................................................................................65
7.4 Birthing Facilities ...........................................................................................................................65
7.5 Assisted Rearing ...........................................................................................................................65
7.5 Contraception.................................................................................................................................73
Chapter 8. Behavior Management .....................................................................................................75
8.1 Animal Training..............................................................................................................................75
8.2 Environmental Enrichment...........................................................................................................78
8.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ......................................................................................................81
8.4 Staff Skills and Training................................................................................................................82
Chapter 9. Program Animals...............................................................................................................83