Space use and enrichment in a North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) exhibit
Exhibit design and environmental enrichment can influence the space use of captive animals. On May 2, 2014, the Tennessee Aquarium opened a new, expanded North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) exhibit, “River Otter Falls.” The exhibit housed 6 otters (5 male and 1 female). A group of three otters was rotated in the exhibit every […]
A Survey of Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors in North American River Otters Housed in Zoos
Stereotypic behaviors, indicating poor welfare and studied in a variety of species (especially carnivores), appear related to characteristics of current and past environments. Although North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) often develop abnormal, repetitive, possibly stereotypic behaviors, no published reports describe otter housing and management or characterize how these variables relate to abnormal repetitive behavior […]