Effects of increased feeding frequency on captive North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) behavior

Manipulating captive feedings to resemble natural conditions can be highly effective in promoting species-typical foraging behaviors and patterns, thereby improving welfare. Despite its potential importance and relative ease of implementation, meal frequency is rarely considered in captive management strategies. North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) are a common species in North American zoos and provide an excellent subject to investigate feeding frequency questions. Wild otters spend large amounts of time foraging and consuming numerous small meals daily. Higher activity levels might be associated with increased meal frequency and decreased resting behavior in captivity. In this study, behavioral responses to a number of factors were considered. While no behavioral responses to meal frequency were detected, other feeding-related variables could have obscured potential effects. Additional variables were found to significantly affect behavior. The time of day appeared to influence behavior via external factors, such as the zoo-going public which was associated with decreased resting and increased stereotypic behavior. Precipitation could provide unplanned, beneficial stimulation for amphibious animals such as otters. Finally, individual behavioral variation was used to aid interpretation and highlight the importance of accounting for animal individuality.