Otters are highly active, playful mustelids whose welfare in zoos depends on high-quality aquatic habitats, social housing, and enrichment that engages their foraging behavior.
Otter welfare in zoos is strongly influenced by social group composition, aquatic habitat quality, and enrichment richness. Asian small-clawed otters thrive in family groups; isolation or incompatible group composition causes significant stress. Water quality must support their aquatic lifestyle without damaging sensitive mucous membranes through over-chlorination. Enrichment for otters should focus on foraging challenges — live fish, crayfish hidden in substrate, frozen fish items — that engage their extraordinary manual dexterity and hunting skills. Play enrichment (novel objects, puzzle feeders, floating toys) engages their naturally playful behavior. Public engagement value of otters is high; this can fund conservation programs for endangered species like giant otters and sea otters.