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

Association of Zoos and Aquariums 9
Otter (Lutrinae) Care Manual
A. capensis, L. canadensis: The water temperature for A. capensis and L. canadensis does not appear to
be critical.
L. maculicollis: Water temperature in successful L. maculicollis exhibits has ranged from 8.9-15.6°C (48-
60°F). Temperatures in the 15.6-21.1°C (60-70°F) range may encourage this species to spend more time
in the water, however, this is has not been objectively demonstrated at this time.
P. brasiliensis: Further study into optimal pool temperatures and water temperature exposure
recommendations for P. brasiliensis is required. Sykes-Gatz (2005) recommends this species should not
be allowed to swim in unheated water when air temperatures are below 5°C (41°F). As a precaution,
outdoor pools should be emptied when temperatures approach this range. Sufficient indoor swim areas
are needed when seasonal daytime air temperature regularly falls below 15°C (59°F), regardless of
whether outdoor water is heated. This is particularly true for family groups rearing pups that may be held
indoors for 4-5 months during cold temperatures. Heating of indoor housing pools is not necessary if the
ambient air temperature is maintained at recommended levels. See Appendix G for information on pool
design recommendations for giant otters.
Humidity: Since otters always should have water features available to them, humidity does not seem to
be a factor in their environment unless it is excessive. Excessive humidity and an inability to adequately
dry off create problems for all otter species, and these conditions should be avoided. The relative
humidity of indoor exhibits should range between 30-70%. Nest boxes and den sites should be provided
with good ventilation and placed in locations that are not chronically humid. The AZA Otter SSP
recommends the provision of sufficient dry land (see Chapter 2, section 2.1), natural substrates, and
bedding material (see Chapter 2, section 2.1) to aid the otters in
proper coat maintenance, and allow for adequate drying of their
pelts and feet.
AZA institutions with exhibits which rely on climate control
must have critical life-support systems for the animal collection
and emergency backup systems available, while all mechanical
equipment should be included in a documented preventative
maintenance program. Special equipment should be maintained
under a maintenance agreement or records should indicate that
staff members are trained to conduct specified maintenance
(10.2.1). Records should include daily activities required for
maintenance, such as back-washing of filtration systems, ozone
checks, pH, chlorine, and coliform levels as well as dates of
periodic maintenance activities.
AZA Accreditation Standard
(10.2.1) Critical life-support systems for
the animal collection, including but not
limited to plumbing, heating, cooling,
aeration, and filtration, must be equipped
with a warning mechanism, and
emergency backup systems must be
available. All mechanical equipment
should be under a preventative
maintenance program as evidenced
through a record-keeping system. Special
equipment should be maintained under a
maintenance agreement, or a training
record should show that staff members
are trained for specified maintenance of
special equipment.
1.2 Light
Careful consideration should be given to the spectral, intensity, and duration of light needs for all
otters in the care of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.
If otters are held in holding areas for any length of time, some natural light is recommended.
Fluorescent, metal halide and mercury vapor, as well as natural light have all been used in exhibit areas.
The AZA Small Carnivore TAG is unaware of any hard data on the impact of light intensity on otter health
or reproduction; this should be investigated in the future. However, it is strongly suspected that otters held
indoors should be provided a seasonally appropriate light cycle to promote breeding and general animal
health (Bateman et al. 2009). There are no available data on possible deleterious effects of less than full
spectrum light on a long-term basis.
A. cinereus: If housed indoors, these species should be kept on a 12-hour light cycle (Wilson, Tropea &
Calle, unpublished data).
L. canadensis, A. capensis, L. maculicollis: The light cycle for indoor exhibits/holding should be set to
mimic the natural photoperiod for the species range of origin in Equatorial Africa, for A. capensis and L.
maculicollis, or the local photoperiod for N.A institutions housing L. canadensis (Reed-Smith 2001,
Bateman et al. 2009).
P. brasiliensis: All indoor enclosure areas, except for the nest boxes, should be kept on a 12-hour light
cycle to mimic the natural habitat conditions of giant otters. If possible, full-spectrum lighting should be