Zoo Duisburg's Giant otters - Part IV

Otter News is very excited to bring our followers the final installment in this excellent series on Zoo Duisburg and the Giant otters in their care.   We also extend sincere appreciation to Béatrice Dumiche, Mr. Ulrich Kluckner, Dr. Jochen Reiter and Dr. Wolfgang Gettmann.

Written & Submitted by Béatrice Dumiche

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Today's post begins with the continuation of the discussion on struggles experienced by Giant otters in their native habitat.

The reality of conservation issues facing Giant otters is the major obstacle for a successful reintroduction of them to their native habitat. It emphasizes how much our vision of the future is still unbalanced and unsure because at a global level a decision has yet to be made.  Do we continue business as usual since the industrial revolution and continue using that evolving technology as a model for emergent countries or do we change the standards of modern living to meet an ethical imperative founded on what the latest biological knowledge of evolution reveals to us about ourselves? The criticism that zoos are just a kind of useless reserve is rather pointed in this political contradiction due to the inner tension that characterizes our occidental thought aiming at a Kantian ideal [Editor's note: according to Wikipedia, Kantian ethics revolve entirely around duty rather than emotions or end goals] which is out of reach in an always insufficient practice. Instead of provoking a moral impulse to act for the best, it provides too often alibis for a status quo which favors the confusion between causes and consequences and designates the wrong people to blame. Whilst the Studbook helps the reasonable management of an increasing giant otter zoo population due to the sharing of complex knowledge which raises the  standards of every participating institution.  Through each institution's efforts, the biological diversity has been increased yet controlled and the current and future giant otter generations will be dependent on the multiplication of zoos that will be able to provide them a decent place to live because nothing has changed in the wild. The strict demands of the IUCN stipulate that all the causes for the endangerment of a species have to be eradicated before a reintroduction can be taken into consideration and may no doubt make the most common sense and interest given current conditions. We may need to consider other and additional ideals in future conservation policy in order to push forward.

The limitations of zoological programs are revealed because they alone can’t change the world; they become to a certain extent the victims of their own success and they will have to live with this contradiction. It is their merit however that the display of exotic animals lost its unquestioned innocence and paved the way for a new perspective and an unexpected, maybe revolutionary idea, of international cooperation and development in the countries where giant otters originate. Working for wildlife conservation appears to consist of saving local populations and their living by stimulating their defenses while at the same time endangered and weakened species of their regions are made fit for survival. To make this concept function efficiently implies both changing the mentalities of those in the receiving countries as well as revising our own standards and understanding of what we call civilization through large educational efforts.  Zoos contribute to this education through cooperating with schools as an independent actor of public interest.

This means zoological facilities are inevitably confronted with strong oppositions from at least two sides.  On one hand, misunderstood ecological concerns that will not resign to accept real conditions which take time and understanding to transform because the ideals can not be changed without the approval and the cooperation of locals in foreign countries who have been abused so often in their aspirations for a better living.  On the other side is the anthropocentric ignorance which does not consider the tasks of the modern contemporary zoo as an attempt to initiate a unique and novel relationship between humans and animals, which truly, at the current time, can only be successfully conducted in terms of compromise. Hence zoos are quite vulnerable to attacks from global industrial interests because these interests wish to avoid the change of a status quo. 

Additionally, we must keep in mind a different fact: while the animals under zoological care overall become older and older, the age that the individuals of the same species living in the wild is decreasing constantly. Therefore, until the success of zoo policy in breeding endangered species is supported by a global awareness of the human consequences that arise when animals lose their traditional habitat, the animal's preservation under the best available conditions in zoological facilities is the only viable alternative.

Implemented educational programs also have an impact to the future of giant otters. Zoos cannot be blamed for a global iniquity for which they do not have either the financial or the political means to radically transform. In fact, they need to be accepted as ecological actors with a high educational value. They attract the attention of children regarding unknown exotic animals for which they would like to know more. This interest can ignite a passion for the animal’s living conditions as well as the foreign countries where the animals originate; and it can create a curiosity about the local fauna and the general belonging of animals. Thus, thanks to their zoological experiences, the future generations of children may be prepared to be mediators between the creatures they experienced and grew to love and a highly technological civilization which seems to draw limitlessly from natural resources.

Béatrice Dumiche wishes to particularly thank Dr. Reiter for proof reading and checking the information about Zoo Duisburg.  Visit Zoo Duisburg's website:

www.zoo-duisburg.de.

Otter News sends sincere appreciation to Béatrice and all involved in the production of this article.  We hope everyone has enjoyed learning of the Giant otters at Zoo Duisburg and will consider visiting them in the future. 

Dallas World Aquarium Giant otters

The following interview was conducted with Dallas World Aquarium’s otter keeper, Natalie Lindholm regarding their Lobo Del Rio exhibit featuring Giant River Otters.

 

by Diane Tomecek

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Q:  How long have you had the exhibit, Lobo Del Rio, at the Dallas World Aquarium?
A:  Lobo Del Rio has been in existence for approximately 8 years (original interview conducted in 2007; existence dates were updated to post here).  It was previously the Jaguar exhibit, which, of course, had panes of acrylic completely enclosing the exhibit at that time.

Q: Why do you refer to the exhibit as Lobo Del Rio?
A: Giant River Otters are sometimes called “Wolves of the River” [or Lobo del Rio (in Spanish)] due to their habit of roving around in large packs.

Q:  What can visitors expect when visiting the Lobo Del Rio exhibit? 
A:  11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. are feeding times, and they are usually active about forty-five minutes prior to the feedings.  They will remain active for about twenty minutes post-feeding, and then will retreat to one of several dens located within the exhibit.

Q:  How would you describe a typical experience there?
A:  If folks come along when the otters are napping or off-exhibit, there will not be much to see.  In contrast, if the visitors are there in the moments before the feedings, they will get to see the otters swimming and vocalizing.  They are actually looking for the keepers to come along, but the public usually thinks they are interacting with them.  Anyway, they put on a good show at those times.

Q:  How many Giant River Otters does the Dallas World Aquarium have? 
A:  We have 1.1, or a male and a female, an unrelated pair.

Q: Can you tell me a bit about the otter(s) you have there?

A: Both otters are somewhere in the neighborhood of five and a half to six years old.  The female is noticeably larger than the male, and I would guess they weigh around sixty to sixty-five pounds.

Q:  I have heard that similar to the spots on a tiger’s ears, the Giant River Otter’s neck pattern is unique to each animal.  Is this true?
A:  The female has a lighter complexion, with a large bib - white patch on her throat.  The male is the typical seal brown color, and his bib consists of a white chin and small spot.  In my conservation talk, I mention that, like a giraffe’s spots or zebra’s stripes, no two bibs are the same, and that field researchers use the bib to identify animals in the wild.

Q:  Do you do any breeding of the otter(s) at the aquarium?
A:  As I tell the public: “They have the breeding part down, it’s the conceiving that is not happening.”  We have sent fecal samples to the Cincinnati Zoo’s research department, CREW, to analyze the hormone levels.  We have seen fluctuating levels of the various hormones, but no definite pregnancies.

Q: What do you feel are the leading issues facing the Giant River Otter and its conservation?
A:  Habitat loss, over-use by man of fishing areas and continued poaching for pelts.

Q:  What does Dallas World Aquarium do to respond to the issues mentioned above?
A:  We support conservation programs in Venezuela.  In particular to the Giant River Otter, we have a comprehensive education program conducted in local communities in Venezuela.  A Venezuelan biologist by the name of Ana Carolina Saavedra has worked closely with schools in the villages and communities where illegal capture of Giant River Otters is most prevalent.  Information distributed to local people emphasizes the importance of Giant River Otters to the local ecosystem and the degradation of the ecosystem should the number of otters there continue to decline. 

Q:  How can people help the plight of the Giant River Otter?
A:  Support conservation efforts aimed at Giant River Otter habitat and study.  Be aware of what they buy and how it impacts the environment.

Zoo Duisburg's Giant otters - Part III

Otter News is very excited to continue this excellent series on Zoo Duisburg and the Giant otters in their care.  We also extend sincere appreciation to Béatrice Dumiche, Mr. Ulrich Kluckner, Dr. Jochen Reiter and Dr. Wolfgang Gettmann. To follow Otter News daily, click here.

Written & Submitted by Béatrice Dumiche

Beautiful giant otter sunning herself

Picking up from Part II and the discussion of zoological policies, today’s post begins with a discussion of how modern technology can create methodologies for saving an endangered species such as the giant otter. 

 
The example of how the giant otters can facilitate a new balance of coexistence between mankind and nature is striking.   The zoo becomes a space that anticipates the movement between a highly developed technological civilization and wildlife conservation. It features that correctly understood ecology isn’t a step back to the middle Ages; but instead an agreement with technology and science.  The sophisticated technology mankind now has at its disposal gives us the unique chance to modify the relationship between ourselves and nature by an interactive cooperation. 

The protection of an endangered species like giant otters is thus significant for this gradual epistemological change leading to a new practice where biologists and keepers work together evaluating their specific competencies and cooperating with colleagues in other zoos which are associated via the breeding program. So, it was a normal procedure for Dr. Reiter and Mr. Kluckner to equally contribute to the public information.  They reported on a common success that resulted from their different approaches to the same problems since practical responses often need the confluence of scientific research and zoology, which has to be validated by improvement through very concrete realizations.  Additionally, creating the best breeding conditions requires teamwork based on communications involving the entire zoo staff.

Getting ready to swim

Latest technology resources greatly assisted in realizing an otter pen that features the optimal natural environment according to the newest knowledge of the otters’ antics. In 2008, one year before the first pup was born, the enclosure was transformed; integrating the experience Zoo Dortmund* had with its own giant otters. Dr. Reiter stressed that the pen was enlarged to increase the land to water ratio as it was discovered by observation that giant otters spend more time on shore and need bigger topsoil areas in order to feel at ease. This is not to say, however, that they will live, properly speaking, in a reconstruction of their natural surroundings.  It may look this way at the first sight, but actually the enclosure and exhibit is filled with well-hidden modern technology which adapts the German climatic and geographic conditions to the needs of the giant otters which are used to the subtropical environment of the South American continent.  In fact, it is a well-balanced compromise as, with their dense and thick fur, the otters are able to acclimate to colder temperatures within a modified setting provided they find all they require to develop their natural abilities.  So, within the exhibit, they enjoy lying down on spots in the outside landscape which are heated from the soil.  In addition, between the inner and the outer pen, there is an entirely tiled room which functions as a toilet and as an airlock facilitating the transition for the animals between their heated inner quarters and the outdoor facilities.  This transitional area is especially needed in winter, when the otters transfer daily to and from the outside except for the very rare times when they cannot get into the water because it is frozen.

Jumping & playing giant otters

The advancement of technological efficiency is implemented for their physical health and for their general well-being although sometimes it does not work as it is supposed to because, like every intelligent living being, they remain unpredictable. Mr. Kluckner explained that staff determined the place where the otters used to defecate and installed some drainage under the sand.  This must have caused the otters to “feel disturbed” as they promptly abandoned the spot and moved a bit further away from the well-placed drainage.  Now, as if to tease their keepers, every time their toilets are drained, the otters change their place, wandering almost throughout the entire pen.

Nevertheless, the otter exhibit satisfies the most recent ecological standards, especially thanks to a water filtering system which permits recycling of most of the water used inside. This is just one way to reduce the high costs for keeping such a rare species and refute the critics arguing with sustainability as well as with more urgent social priorities. The animal welfare has its price, of course, because it requires intensive care by highly qualified and loyal staff as well as fresh food, which is quite expensive too. The costs for personnel represent 50% of the zoo budget while food and energy require 20 %. For instance, the giant otters get about 8 trout per adult.  These are regularly delivered to the zoo by a local fish-farm because of the awareness that short distances increase the food quality and reduce transport fees and pollution as well. Thus, the spending is legitimized by the ecological and social causes it actually serves; a zoo may appear as a luxury in times of economic crises but only if its exhibits are not considered in the context of global educational and political challenges.

Walking along....

The example of the giant otters is a success story that shows how zoo policy can really set alternative standards at the zoological level.  However, the example of the zoo’s giant otters also emphasizes the limits and contradictions which need to be overcome at a higher level. It advocates the conservation of nature in regions where giant otters are particularly threatened by ruthless exploitation conducted by international groups which are almost impossible to fight even in the framework of larger ecological programs because the effects are punctual and slow because they require significant education. Sadly, it appears still impossible to stop the lethal spiral of global over-industrialization, local poverty and the lack of education regarding the species; all of which are the major causes for the endangerment of the giant otter.  At the moment, it is unthinkable to release zoo born otters in the wild, despite their being fit to a wild environment, because the factors which provoked their extinction remain as virulent today as they were in the past. The deforestation and the transformation of the large rivers into main traffic arteries used to transport natural resources like minerals and machines intensify the destruction of giant otter habitat.  The otters’ presence within these large rivers further causes them to appear as a nuisance by the local fishermen, who don’t take any benefit of the wealth that is generated by foreign companies; rather, they suffer the same loss of their livelihood as the otters themselves because they are deprived of their local fishing grounds. This ecological rarefaction leads locals to more intensely hunt the animals for which they should be allies in order to retake control of what is done with their own traditional way of life.  Concurrently, the otters are trapped for their fur, as they have been for centuries, because in a state of poverty and ignorance, which may also encourage corruption; official restrictions taken by governments without the means to enforce policies, are worth very little.

 

Next week, we conclude the series on the Giant otters of Zoo Duisburg; stay tuned!

*Zoo Dortmund is located in the City of Dortmund, Germany. For information about their facility visit: http://www.dortmund.de/en/leisure_and_culture/zoo/home_zoo/index.html

Zoo Duisburg's Giant otters - Part II

Otter News is very excited to bring our followers this excellent series on Zoo Duisburg and the Giant otters in their care.  We extend sincere appreciation to author Ms. Béatrice Dumiche, Mr. Ulrich Kluckner, Dr. Jochen Reiter, Dr. Wolfgang Gettmann and all others involved in the production of this series.

Written & Submitted by Béatrice Dumiche

 

We pick up today from Part I which ended with a discussion of the otters’ enclosure and the importance of keeping the family groups together to mimic their wild lives...

The quality of the enclosure environment is a plus for the average visitor, but is also an important factor in gaining a better knowledge of the communication between the individuals inside the group. That’s why Zoo Duisburg collaborates with universities whose students come to the Zoo to collect reliable data on the otters’ social organization. So, the Zoo hosted a candidate working on this communication. On this level it becomes very interesting to have the opportunity to make comparisons between the two otter species living in groups yet displayed in separate enclosures which face each other.  The comparisons are obvious indeed: even from a non-scientific point of view it is easy to guess some resemblances as there is only a gradual difference in the squeaks both utter. The Asian Short-clawed otters are noisy but the giant ones have a very loud organ that can be heard from far distances.  They both express displeasure or feeding demands in similar tones.  In the same way, the fish they eat may be of different sizes; however, they

Having some tasty fish

catch and eat them similarly - they dive after their prey in the water and when they catch it, it is generally consumed on land. They hold the captured prey in their paws while devouring it from head to tail.  A characteristic view is when, at the very end, you can only see the fishtail sticking out. The most notable and ridiculously cute is to watch the giant otters sleeping thanks to a camera which has been installed in the two nest boxes hidden from the public where the otters often retire.  Primarily, they use only one of nest boxes and cuddle together like their Short-clawed fellows, revealing how flexible even their huge bodies can be.  Suddenly these muscular and strong animals, who resemble black panthers due to their smooth, extremely quick and precise movements revealing their concentrated energy, look a bit like stuffed dinosaurs who have survived from the former ages because of their tight physical and social bonds.

Grotto hiding place for the giant otters

Thus, modern zoo breeding doesn’t only mean procreation and the mere stabilization of the remaining population of an endangered species, there is of course, a biological interest in it. Dr. Reiter underlines the success of the local breed as Zoo Duisburg is now able to export to other zoological facilities young otters like Alua, Amana’s first pup, who went to Parken Zoo in Sweden and Chelsea, born in 2010, who was given to Singapore Zoo. Mr. Kluckner shows another concrete example how the Studbook is essential to refreshing the biological resources of the species, “The distinctive sign of any individual is the white spot on his forehead: no one [otter] has the same [mark] and it is significant for the transmission of the DNA through generations. The giant otters we had before our breeding success had very blurry spots; the white was faded out and the borderlines weren’t shaped out clearly and now, look at the individuals we have!  The spot is drawn very well because the breed has been renewed by the enlargement of the population [which] we can rely on to assure the revival of a species that in the wild is still threatened to extinction.”

This doesn’t mean, however, that the expanding zoo born generations are to be considered an alternative to the decreasing population in the wild, although the actual situation may lead to this impression. On the contrary of ancient prejudices, the success of giant otter breeding shows that the zoo is not a Noah’s Ark of sorts which aim is a mythical survival of a species under ideal but totally artificial conditions not allowing any projection into a future of the species because it doesn’t take into account the ability of each individual to contribute to its evolution.  To further illustrate the point, it is not a wax cabinet of extinct archetypes which can only be remembered and treasured in reserves for illustration purposes according to a historical perspective which considers animal evolution only in the context of human progress from the state of nature to civilization that sadly but inevitably leads to the disappearing of some unadapted wildlife. Actually, the development of high technology brought up the awareness of its own duplicity as it revealed the opposition between nature and civilization was an error in human judgment. The more sophisticated our knowledge of natural processes became the more evident it was that it was a dialogue with life as a dynamism which could be improved experimentally.  Potentially not yet to repair damages caused by human activity but at least to create the conscience that relates to a global understanding of evolution. Scientific and technological research – if they are taken seriously as a whole – can’t therefore do without defining their own responsibilities in interacting with nature.

Giant otter exhibit signage

During initial impressions, this may seem a philosophic digression.  But, in fact, it establishes the key role the zoo is supposed to play in ecological projects that exceed mere animal exhibition. Since nature conservation became a global concern, how large an exhibit is within a zoo, is not solely the Zoo’s decision.  The Zoo’s mission only makes sense in the context of its participation in different networks which are themselves engaged in international cooperative projects where the animal breeding program is purposed to make the zoo borns fit for survival in the wild. The data collected from otter observations at the zoo have a practical purpose. Thanks to the connection between biological research and its improvement at the zoo under primarily natural conditions, the species is not just surviving – it is able to take its destiny in its own hands as it displays an ability to adapt to a new milieu and evolve by the reappropriation of its instinctive behavior.  This concept was about to get lost.

The Zoo is far from being a mere conservation institution.  It gives a species not its supposed origin or authenticity back - it tries, on the contrary, to offer breeds a chance to evolve under new contemporary conditions which have been altered by human activity.  The Zoo enables animals, specifically the giant otters, to reinsert into the dynamic of life through a refreshed biological patrimony and reinforced instincts as it provides a spot where it can regenerate much of its niche.  Therefore, contemporary zoo policies are based on leading to a new balance for the coexistence between mankind and nature.

Part III continues next week.  Stay tuned....

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Zoo Duisburg's Giant otters

Part One

Otter News is very excited to bring our followers this excellent series on Zoo Duisburg and the Giant otters in their care.  We extend sincere appreciation to author Ms. Béatrice Dumiche, Mr. Ulrich Kluckner, Dr. Jochen Reiter, Dr. Wolfgang Gettmann and all others involved in the production of this series.

Written & Submitted by Béatrice Dumiche

 

Giant otter catching some sun

Thanks to Dr. Wolfgang Gettmann, the director of the Aquazoo Düsseldorf, we had the opportunity to visit the otter displays at Zoo Duisburg where they breed two social species: the Asian Short-clawed otter, the smallest one; who is at home in many zoos all over the world and the giant otter, the biggest one; who is endangered and is still represented only in about 20 zoos worldwide. The Short-clawed otters live in South-East Asia on river banks and in the muddy zones of lakes, in rice fields or tea plantations. They can grow up to 55 cm/21 in plus a tail measuring 35 cm/14 in and weigh to 6 kg/13lb. The giant otters live in South American rivers and reach a size of 140 cm/4.5 ft plus a tail of 70 cm/2.2 ft and a weight of 32 kg/70 lbs. Both are predators feeding on fish and crabs, the giant otter mostly on fish and the Short-clawed otter rather on crabs. The latter are thus very useful as they help protect the rice plantations from crabs and keep an ecological balance there. The gestation takes two months for both species. Both can live up to 20 years under human care. Breeding both is of great interest as it allows for behavior comparisons and study of their antics which contributes to a better general knowledge on otters. Dr. Jochen Reiter, the head curator of Zoo Duisburg and Mr. Ulrich Kluckner, the head keeper of the otters, provided extensive information about the history of the zoo and its general conservation policy as far as they are related to the outstanding role their otter exhibits play on a regional and international level.



Giant otter exclosure

More than one million visitors a year come to Zoo Duisburg which is among the most frequented in Germany and is situated in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen which is the most populated of the whole country.  That’s why it has a local function in a highly industrialized and urbanized region: it serves as a green spot where leisure and educational activities are thematically linked. The Zoo’s beginnings in 1934 were quite modest on a surface of just a few hectares and the Zoo was almost totally destroyed 10 years later during World War II. So, it was a new start of sorts when the rebuilding process began in 1946 until it ended in the last major expansion in 1960 when the grounds were extended to 16 hectares/40 acres with the particularity that they were divided into two halves by a crossing highway which has been overbridged. However, this wasn’t an obstacle for the Zoo’s development according to the standards of modern contemporary zoos which founded its international reputation. It is conceived as a walk through different landscapes which enables visitors to experience an encounter with many rare and precious animals of all continents in their natural surroundings. 

Zoo Duisburg’s leadership relied on traditional know-how in animal care which was required for the breeding of rare species which was been promoted at the Zoo very early. This success is associated with the names of the different directors who are thoughtfully memorialized through many statues and plaques scattered throughout the garden area. In 1965, under the impulse of Dr. Wolfgang Gewalt, Duisburg became the first Zoo in Germany to have a dolphin exhibit and, in 1978, it had its first success in breeding bottle-nosed dolphins. Dr. Reinhard Frese introduced the koalas in 1994; who reproduced one year later and the zoo, which is still the only one keeping koalas in Germany, plays a significant role for their breeding worldwide. The situation  was much more complicated with the giant otters. Zoo Duisburg had one of the oldest displays in Germany – existing for 38 years – but, as there were such a few zoos exhibiting giant otters, it was very challenging to develop a stable breeding even with a team of experienced and skilled biologists and keepers. So, the first reproduction took place recently, in 2009, when the general situation changed and advantageous circumstances transpired.

Giant otters enjoying lunch

The breakthrough is owed indeed to the creation of the International Studbook, an electronic data bank which endows any zoo taking part in the breeding program with a complete survey of the giant otter population under human care worldwide. Each individual is listed in the Studbook with its date of birth and the identity of its parents. The register will keep the animals’ track till its death. It prevents inbreeding and overbreeding because it allows a scientifically based exchange of animals for reproduction purposes between the partner zoos. Thanks to this program Zoo Duisburg received a couple of giant otters: Maldito, the male born in 2007, from Tierpark Hagenbeck in Hamburg; and the female, Amana born in 2005, from nearby Dortmund Zoo.  The pair, beyond all the technical selection which brought them together, really matched and were reproducing regularly, creating a very stable and prolific breed. “You can see they love each other and they have fun together! Plus, they are mature enough to be at the head of a large family, being a model for their descendants”, stated Mr. Kluckner.  He insists on the development of socialization by the exemplarity of education for this species, which lives in bonded clans, as a real integral part of the breeding program. He told us that, when Amana came to the zoo and gave birth to her first litter, she didn’t know how to handle her pups properly.  “She just never learned it and it was our only female who took her cubs by the waists and not by the neck until Maldito showed it to her. Now, there are descendants of different litters living here in this pen – a male from 2010 and a male and a female from 2011 and four pups from November 2012. We don’t know the gender [of these] yet – and one can see how the mum uses the adolescents to help her to foster the younger cubs when she needs some rest. So each of the youngsters, it may be a male or a female, is initiated to nursing, and will be transmitting this knowledge…to its own family in another zoo. That’s also the reason why we’re not continuing the common practice of isolating the father after a birth until the mother and the pups [are]…to be bonded. They belong together as members of a large family where [each member] can get into a situation where he must assume the responsibilities of the other to allow the group to function normally.  They don’t need any complementary occupation: we don’t give them any toys nor do we train them in any way. We may refine the environment of the pen sometimes as we did [on one occasion] when I seized the opportunity to claim for the otters the large tree trunks which had been removed from the elephant exhibit; but in fact, [the environment] is various enough to stimulate their activity and let them improve the whole span of their natural behavior. You can watch them diving and playing together or chasing their fish as if they were in the wild.”



Giant otter exhibit tree trunks

Series continues throughout Giant otter month - stay tuned....

 

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Giant otter Status, Distribution and Taxonomy

Juvenile Giant otter - Philadelphia Zoo

The Giant otter is listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List and its population trend is decreasing.  It is vulnerable to habitat loss and is killed for its pelt or because locals view them as threats to fish resources.  The giant otter inhabits South America; extending close to, but not including, the Caribbean Sea.  Its southern range stretches to Argentina, but according to the IUCN, the ”Argentine and Uruguayan populations are thought to be extinct.”  Giant otters are not present in Chile and most animals are found along the Brazilian Amazon.  

The official taxonomic listing is: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Subphylum: Vertebrata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Carnivora, Family: Mustelidae; Genus: Pteronura; Species: Brasiliensis.

There are two subspecies of Giant otters. According to the IUCN, Pteronura brasiliensis brasiliensis occurs “from Suriname, the Guianas, southern Venezuela, southern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil”; while Pteronura brasiliensis paranensis occurs “from the Paraguay and Parana rivers in Brazil, and northern Argentina and Uruguay.”