Animal
Giant otter
An otter family in which older siblings help raise the younger ones.
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In a family of giant otters, caring for offspring is not just the parents’ task. The group consists of an adult pair and young from successive litters, with older siblings helping to look after the youngest. This social life goes hand in hand with defending a territory. Giant otters mark their range with droppings, leaving other animals a sign that it is occupied.
Finding food involves frequent trips beneath the surface. A single giant otter can eat 3-5 kilograms of fish a day. It closes its ears and nostrils when diving. Large eyes and long whiskers, specialised sensory hairs, help it find its way underwater.
In the past, hunting for skins was a major threat. Today, water pollution, overfishing and development along rivers, including hydroelectric dams, add to the pressure. Loss of fish and changes to rivers affect both the otters’ home and their main food supply. At Łódź Zoo, giant otters represent the wildlife of South America. Their enclosure and pool bring together two parts of daily life: resting on land and searching for food in water.
Para niños
In this otter family, older siblings help the parents. Giant otters live in groups made up of an adult pair and their offspring from different litters. The youngest are also cared for by older brothers and sisters.
When it is time to eat, an otter goes fishing. It can eat between 3 and 5 kilograms of fish in a day! Underwater, it closes its ears and nostrils. Large eyes and long sensory whiskers help it find its way while swimming.
A clean river full of fish is very important to a giant otter. Pollution, too much fishing and dams change its home. At Łódź Zoo, the otters have a pool and an area of dry land. Watch how they move between these two places.
Pregunta 1 de 2
Who helps giant otter parents raise their young?
- Ubicación
- Outdoor garden, beside the South America house.