Pilot – MO1

Proof of Concept Pilot Study

Foraging-based problem solving and long-term retention in otters in professional care. Two facilities. One North American river otter. Seven Asian small clawed otters. Two African spotted neck otters. Assessed 11 foraging devices for durability, solvability, and presentation protocol at two time points. Preliminary findings indicated that otters utilized different solution strategies, puzzles varied in difficulty and solution times, and individual differences emerged. Initial data were shared at CO3 and SWPA 2024 meetings.

Status: Data analysis and final protocol development.
Upcoming Project: Foraging-based puzzle and long term retention. First ManyOtters sponsored project with otters from across multiple facilities around the world.
Future Project: Assessing individual differences – surveys vs behavioral responses.