North American river otter

Did you know?
that, with a thick layer of fat beneath the skin, a dense, oily fur, nose and ears which can be closed under water, and webbed feet this animal is well adapted to the aquatic environment? But they can also move well on land, achieving running speeds of 29 km/hr (18 miles/hr).

Photo Copyright by
Dimitry Azovtsev

Why do zoos keep this animal

The North American river otter is not threatened in the wild, and keeping this species in zoos outside North America has a low priority. The animals are kept for educational purposes and serve as ambassadors, lobbying for clean water and the restoration of freshwater courses.

How this animal should be kept

North American river otters show a great deal of social plasticity and may be kept singly, as pairs, in family groups or smaller groups of compatible animals. The male may have to be separated before the female gives birth, but may be reintroduced to the family group once the pups are swimming well.

North American river otters are kept in outdoor enclosures. Minimum requirements per pair: land surface 25 m², water surface 20 m², for each additional adult animal 20% more. It is recommended, however, that the land part should not be smaller than 120 m², and the water part 30 m². The pool should have an average depth of 0.8 m. In addition, a frost-free den must be available for each adult.

A variety of substrates should be incorporated into otter exhibits, such as grass, mulch, sand, clay, soil, rocks, boulders, pebbles, leaves, bark. Exhibits with artificial substrates should offer areas of grass, dirt, sand, pebbles, etc. for exploration and adequate grooming. Hard-pack soils, abrasive sands, and sharp rocks should not be used in otter exhibits. Problems with chronically wet surface areas should be addressed immediately to prevent injuries to the animals or health issues from developing.

Bedding material, such as grasses, leaves, hay, straw, wood wool, sedges, pine needles, towels, burlap bags, natural fiber mats, and wood shavings should be provided.

North American river otters can tolerate a wide temperature range as long as they are offered protection from the sun and inclement weather in outdoor exhibits. Indoor exhibits should offer a thermal gradient allowing animals the selection of a comfortable temperature (of 0-24°C. A temperature below 21-24°C is recommended for indoor holding/night facilities. Animals should always be provided with shelter from the sun in outdoor exhibits.

The diet of North American river otters consists of minced meat, fish, one-day old chicks, eggs, and carrots, and mineral and vitamin supplements, in particular thiamine. Otters have high metabolic rates, rapid digestion. Consequently they should be fed smaller portions several times per day. Frequent feeding also prevents consumption of spoiled food and can stimulate increased activity in these generally active and curious species. Due to the possible formation of uroliths, foods high in calcium oxalates should probably be avoided. More specific information on how to feed otters may be obtained from the relevant TAG or the Deutsche Otter-Stiftung.