Eurasian Otter

Did you know?
that Eurasian otters spend half of their lives sleeping? That can mean ten years of snoozing for many otters, and phases of inactivity are often during the zoo's opening hours....!

Photo Copyright by
Catherine Trigg

Why do zoos keep this animal

In the course of the 20th century the Eurasian otter has disappeared from large parts of its former range and has become extinct in several countries. Despite extensive research, the causes for this extinction have not yet been clearly determined. Probably a combination of hunting, water pollution by chemicals and a decrease of the fish stocks has led to its gradual disappearance. Until the 1970s, breeding success in zoos was very low. With a view of building up a viable ex situ population, a conservation breeding programme (EEP) was established in Europe. Animals bred under this programme are now kept for educational and research purposes and serve as ambassadors, lobbying for clean water and the restoration of freshwater courses.

Once the reasons for the regional extinction of the otter have been identified and mitigated, animals bred by zoos will be made availbale for reintroduction projects.

How this animal should be kept

Eurasian otters show should be kept singly, as pairs, or in family groups. 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.

Eurasian 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.

Eurasian 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 Eurasian 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.