United States Giant Otter Population

[Valentinoamor]

I threw together a list of all the Giant Otters in the United States today. The individuals in red are ones I am not certain about. It was also impossible to find information on Los Angeles Zoo's individuals. Any new information is welcome.


United States


0.1, Ticuna - 2012 - last at zoo miami


Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham, Alabama - 0.2.0

0.1, Lara - 2011 - Sister to Karina

0.1, Karina - 2012 - Sister to Lara


Brevard Zoo - Brevard County, Florida - 1.1.0

1.0, Francisco

0.1, Danila


Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas, Texas - 1.1.0

0.1, Sonia - 2007

1.0, Baro - 2014


Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas - 2.0.0

1.0, Dru

1.0, Max


Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida - 4.5.0

1.0, Buddy - July 17, 2007 - Wild-Born

0.1, Sarave - 2011

1.0, Aiden - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave

1.0, Coker - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave

0.1, Eleanor - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave

0.1, Olivia - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave

0.1, Annie - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave

0.1, Unnamed - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave

1.0, Ken - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave


Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California - 0.0.0

0.1, Charikoa

1.0, Rijo - November 2006 - Banjo x Nina

1.0, Unnamed - July 10, 2011

0.1, Mia? - July 10, 2011 - Unknown x Charikoa

1.0, Unnamed - March 21, 2012

1.0, Unnamed - March 21, 2012

0.1, Unnamed - March 21, 2012

0.1, Unnamed - September 14, 2014 - Unknown x Mia

1.0, Unnamed - September 14, 2014 - Unknown x Mia (Baro at FWA?)

1.0, Unnamed - March 28, 2015 - Unknown x Mia

1.0, Unnamed - March 28, 2015 - Unknown x Mia

0.1, Unnamed - March 28, 2015 - Unknown x Mia


Moody Gardens - Galveston, Texas - 2.2.0

0.1, Ella - 2008

1.0, Unknown

1.0, Unknown

0.1, Unknown


Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 2.2.0

1.0, Matteo - Unknown - Unknown x Charikoa

0.1, Ariranha - June 4, 2010 - Banyo x Nina

0.1, Yeyuno - June 4, 2010 - Banyo x Nina

1.0, Thor - May 3, 2011 - Banyo x Nina


Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence, Rhode Island - 2.0.0

1.0, Romo - 2014

1.0, Fernando - 2016


Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia - 1.1.0

0.1, Tocantins - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina

1.0, Bakairi - January 31, 2011


Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 0.2.0

0.1, Kara - 2005 - Banjo x Nina

0.1, Matata - 2014 - Unknown x Kara

 

[CMP]

I threw together a list of all the Giant Otters in the United States today. The individuals in red are ones I am not certain about. It was also impossible to find information on Los Angeles Zoo's individuals. Any new information is welcome.


United States


0.1, Ticuna - 2012 - last at zoo miami


Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham, Alabama - 0.2.0

0.1, Lara - 2011 - Sister to Karina

0.1, Karina - 2012 - Sister to Lara


Brevard Zoo - Brevard County, Florida - 1.1.0

1.0, Francisco

0.1, Danila


Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas, Texas - 1.1.0

0.1, Sonia - 2007

1.0, Baro - 2014


Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas - 2.0.0

1.0, Dru

1.0, Max


Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida - 4.5.0

1.0, Buddy - July 17, 2007 - Wild-Born

0.1, Sarave - 2011

1.0, Aiden - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave

1.0, Coker - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave

0.1, Eleanor - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave

0.1, Olivia - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave

0.1, Annie - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave

0.1, Unnamed - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave

1.0, Ken - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave


Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California - 0.0.0

0.1, Charikoa

1.0, Rijo - November 2006 - Banjo x Nina

1.0, Unnamed - July 10, 2011

0.1, Mia? - July 10, 2011 - Unknown x Charikoa

1.0, Unnamed - March 21, 2012

1.0, Unnamed - March 21, 2012

0.1, Unnamed - March 21, 2012

0.1, Unnamed - September 14, 2014 - Unknown x Mia

1.0, Unnamed - September 14, 2014 - Unknown x Mia (Baro at FWA?)

1.0, Unnamed - March 28, 2015 - Unknown x Mia

1.0, Unnamed - March 28, 2015 - Unknown x Mia

0.1, Unnamed - March 28, 2015 - Unknown x Mia


Moody Gardens - Galveston, Texas - 2.2.0

0.1, Ella - 2008

1.0, Unknown

1.0, Unknown

0.1, Unknown


Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 2.2.0

1.0, Matteo - Unknown - Unknown x Charikoa

0.1, Ariranha - June 4, 2010 - Banyo x Nina

0.1, Yeyuno - June 4, 2010 - Banyo x Nina

1.0, Thor - May 3, 2011 - Banyo x Nina


Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence, Rhode Island - 2.0.0

1.0, Romo - 2014

1.0, Fernando - 2016


Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia - 1.1.0

0.1, Tocantins - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina

1.0, Bakairi - January 31, 2011


Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 0.2.0

0.1, Kara - 2005 - Banjo x Nina

0.1, Matata - 2014 - Unknown x Kara

I didn't realise so few zoos had them here, that explains why I have yet to see one

Is the population growing?

 

[Valentinoamor]

I didn't realise so few zoos had them here, that explains why I have yet to see one

Is the population growing?

Jacksonville has been the only facility breeding the last few years. I don't think there is a lot of space, which has stopped facilities from breeding.

 

[Grant]

Los Angeles Zoo (1.2) according to ZIMS as of 4/1/21
1.0 "Bajo" born: 6/21/2009 at Philadelphia Zoo
0.1 "Mia" born: 7/10/2011 at Los Angeles Zoo
0.1 "Rosario" born: 5/2/2016 at Los Angeles Zoo (to Bajo x Mia)

 

[Valentinoamor]

Los Angeles Zoo (1.2) according to ZIMS as of 4/1/21
1.0 "Bajo" born: 6/21/2009 at Philadelphia Zoo
0.1 "Mia" born: 7/10/2011 at Los Angeles Zoo
0.1 "Rosario" born: 5/2/2016 at Los Angeles Zoo (to Bajo x Mia)

Thank you!

 

[Zorro]

Wondering how often that the US zoos get new bloodlines from South American zoos?

 

[Valentinoamor]

Wondering how often that the US zoos get new bloodlines from South American zoos?

Not often. I believe that the only way the United States can receive animals from South America is when there are wild-caught animals that cannot be released in the wild.

 

[MennoPebesma]

I have done the same for the European population of Giant Otters. You can find it here if interested: Giant otters in Europe It needs an update tho.

In my research for the European population i somethimes came across some information about Giant otters in America. I have also used these:
http://alouattasen.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/5/6/8956452/ottergiantstudbook2013-a0a0fd9f.pdf
http://www.otterspecialistgroup.org...-Giant-Otter-Final-2011-FINAL-July-8-2011.pdf

Those are the most recent studbooks you can find from the Giant otter.

Here are some things i know:

Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham, Alabama - 0.2.0
0.1, Lara - 2011 - Sister to Karina
0.1, Karina - 2012 - Sister to Lara

Lara is born January 31, 2011 at Zoo Miami
Karina is born November 3, 2011 at Zoo Miami
Parents are Witoto x Kara

Brevard Zoo - Brevard County, Florida - 1.1.0
1.0, Francisco
0.1, Danila

I don't think those are the names of the otters. I also saw these names passing by while searching, but these are the names of keepers who brought the animals to Brevard Zoo. They are a brother and sister from Los Angeles zoo. With the ages that I found, I think the female would have been born on September 14, 2014, parents are Rijo x Mia. The male would then have been born on November 13, 2015. In LA Zoo, I think the male was named Uno.

Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas - 2.0.0
1.0, Dru
1.0, Max

Dru (Full name: Drucilla) is a female born on June 21, 2009 at Philadelphia Zoo. Banjo x Nina.
Can't find anything about Max.
Dru and Max came from Moody Gardens.

Houston Zoo has also a second couple of giant otters:
1,0 Rijo - November 26, 2006 at Philadelphia Zoo - Banjo x Nina
0,1 Marley (Full name: Marlena) - Unknown - Unknown x Unknown
Rijo and Marley came from LA Zoo.

Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida - 4.5.0
1.0, Buddy - July 17, 2007 - Wild-Born
0.1, Sarave - 2011
1.0, Aiden - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
1.0, Coker - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Eleanor - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Olivia - June 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Annie - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Unnamed - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
1.0, Ken - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave

Buddy is born ~ September 2008.
Sarave was born in Miami Zoo, she is born November 3, 2011. That parents are Witoto x Kara.
The 2019 litter is born on June 18.
Olivia has previously been referred to as Merume. It was also first said that it was a litter with 3 females and 1 male. That would also fit better with the number of males and females of Jacksonville of what i found.

Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California - 0.0.0
0.1, Charikoa
1.0, Rijo - November 2006 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Unnamed - July 10, 2011
0.1, Mia? - July 10, 2011 - Unknown x Charikoa
1.0, Unnamed - March 21, 2012
1.0, Unnamed - March 21, 2012
0.1, Unnamed - March 21, 2012
0.1, Unnamed - September 14, 2014 - Unknown x Mia
1.0, Unnamed - September 14, 2014 - Unknown x Mia (Baro at FWA?)
1.0, Unnamed - March 28, 2015 - Unknown x Mia
1.0, Unnamed - March 28, 2015 - Unknown x Mia
0.1, Unnamed - March 28, 2015 - Unknown x Mia

As earlier mentioned they are indeed:
1.0 Bajo - June 21, 2009 at Philadelphia Zoo - Banjo x Nina
0.1 Mia - July 10, 2011 at Los Angeles Zoo - Rijo x Chirico
0.1 Rosario - May 2, 2016 at Los Angeles Zoo - Bajo x Mia

Moody Gardens - Galveston, Texas - 2.2.0
0.1, Ella - 2008
1.0, Unknown
1.0, Unknown
0.1, Unknown

According to my information Moody Gardens keeps only one pair of Giant otters. I couldn't find anything about their names, but Ella can indeed still live there. If so, this is her information:
0.1 Ella - August 18, 2008 at Philadelphia Zoo - Banjo x Nina

Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 2.2.0
1.0, Matteo - Unknown - Unknown x Charikoa
0.1, Ariranha - June 4, 2010 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Yeyuno - June 4, 2010 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Thor - May 3, 2011 - Banjo x Nina

1.0 Matteo - July 10,2011 at Los Angeles Zoo - Rijo x Chiricoa
The other three are born at Philadelphia Zoo.

Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence, Rhode Island - 2.0.0
1.0, Romo - 2014
1.0, Fernando - 2016

1.0 Romo - March 21, 2012 at Los Angeles Zoo - Rijo x Chiricoa
1.0 Fernando - September 14, 2014 at Los Angeles Zoo - Rijo x Chiricoa

Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia - 1.1.0
0.1, Tocantins - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Bakairi - January 31, 2011

1.0 Bakairi - January 31,2011 at Zoo Miami - Witoto x Kara.
Tocantins is born at Philadelphia Zoo.

Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 0.2.0
0.1, Kara - 2005 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Matata - 2014 - Unknown x Kara

0.1 Kara - March 13, 2005 at Philadelphia Zoo - Banjo x Nina
If you look at the age of Matata, she would be one of the litters on December 19, 2013. But it was then said that they were two males. I can't find another litter of giant otters in Miami that matches her age. Could it be that they later discovered that one of the males is a female after all?

According to my information, Miami zoo would also keep two male giant otters. But I can't find anything about them.

 

[Valentinoamor]

According to my information Moody Gardens keeps only one pair of Giant otters. I couldn't find anything about their names, but Ella can indeed still live there. If so, this is her information:
0.1 Ella - August 18, 2008 at Philadelphia Zoo - Banjo x Nina

I watched a recent Facebook stream they had and the keeper said two males were brought in to pair with the two females.

The information you provided is very useful! Thank you so much!

 

[Valentinoamor]

Here is the recent (8/21/2021) North American Giant Otter Population.

The North American Giant Otter Population​

This document keeps a record of all births, deaths, locations, and transfers of all Giant Otters in the United States. This document will be constantly updated to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible. Feel free to leave any new information in the comments of this thread.

The facilities are organized by country, then in alphabetical order by the name of the facility. The individuals were organized by age.


Total Facilities with Giant Otters: 11; 11 United States

Total Amount of Individuals: 38 (17.21.0); 17.21 United States


United States

Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham, Alabama - 0.2.0
0.1, Lara - January 31, 2011 -Witoto x Kara
0.1, Karina - November 3, 2011 -Witoto x Kara


Brevard Zoo - Brevard County, Florida - 1.1.0
1.0, Unknown - September 14, 2014? - Rijo x Mia
0.1, Uno? - November 13, 2015? - Rijo x Mia


Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas, Texas - 1.1.0
0.1, Sonia - 2007
1.0, Baro - 2014


Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas - 2.2.0
1.0, Rijo - November 26, 2006 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Drucilla - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Maximo
0.1, Marley


Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida - 3.6.0
1.0, Buddy - September 2008 - Wild-Born
0.1, Sarave - November 3, 2011- Witoto x Kara
1.0, Aiden - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Coker - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Eleanor - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Olivia “Merume” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Annie - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Unnamed - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
1.0, Ken - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave


Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California - 1.2.0
1.0, Bajo - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Mia - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa
0.1, Rosario - May 2, 2016 - Bajo x Mia


Moody Gardens - Galveston, Texas - 2.2.0
0.1, Ella - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Unknown
1.0, Unknown
0.1, Unknown


Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 2.2.0
1.0, Matteo - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa
0.1, Ariranha - June 4, 2010 - Banyo x Nina
0.1, Yeyuno - June 4, 2010 - Banyo x Nina
1.0, Thor - May 3, 2011 - Banyo x Nina


Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence, Rhode Island - 2.0.0
1.0, Romo - March 21, 2012 - Rijo x Chiricoa
1.0, Fernando - September 14, 2014 - Rijo x Chiricoa


Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia - 1.1.0
0.1, Tocantins - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Bakairi - January 31, 2011 - Witoto x Kara


Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 2.2.0
0.1, Kara - March 13, 2005 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Witoto - 2010
0.1, Matata - (December 19, 2013?) 2014 - Unknown x Kara
1.0, Panobo

 

[MennoPebesma]

Brevard Zoo - Brevard County, Florida - 1.1.0
1.0, Unknown - September 14, 2014? - Rijo x Mia
0.1, Uno? - November 13, 2015? - Rijo x Mia

The male is named Felix and the female is named Ophelia.
Source: Viera Vision Volume 16, Issue 1 (on page 17)

Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas, Texas - 1.1.0
0.1, Sonia - 2007
1.0, Baro - 2014

According to my information, they house 3 males. With a quick search, I unfortunately cannot find the names.

Moody Gardens - Galveston, Texas - 2.2.0
0.1, Ella - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Unknown
1.0, Unknown
0.1, Unknown

Moody Gardens is home to a pair of otters. The female is indeed Ella, the male is called Man.
A recent video of them on world otter day:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1425658064460371

Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 2.2.0
0.1, Kara - March 13, 2005 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Witoto - 2010
0.1, Matata - (December 19, 2013?) 2014 - Unknown x Kara
1.0, Panobo

1.0, Witoto - April 22, 2004 - Lluvia x Carolina
Unfortunately, I cannot find anything about Panobo.

 

[Valentinoamor]

The male is named Felix and the female is named Ophelia.
Source: Viera Vision Volume 16, Issue 1 (on page 17)


According to my information, they house 3 males. With a quick search, I unfortunately cannot find the names.


Moody Gardens is home to a pair of otters. The female is indeed Ella, the male is called Man.
A recent video of them on world otter day:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1425658064460371

1.0, Witoto - April 22, 2004 - Lluvia x Carolina
Unfortunately, I cannot find anything about Panobo.

Thank you!!

 

[Valentinoamor]

Here is the recent (12/5/2021) Giant Otter population.

The United States/European Giant Otter Population​

This document keeps a record of all births, deaths, locations, and transfers of all Giant Otters in the United States, Canada, and Europe. This document will be constantly updated to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible. Feel free to leave any new information in the comments of this thread.

The facilities are organized by country, then in alphabetical order by the name of the facility. The individuals were organized by age.


Total Facilities with Giant Otters: 12; 11 United States; 1 Columbia

Total Amount of Individuals: 41 (19.22.0); 18.20 United States; 1.2 Columbia


United States

Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham, Alabama - 0.2.0
0.1, Lara - January 31, 2011 -Witoto x Kara
0.1, Karina - November 3, 2011 -Witoto x Kara


Brevard Zoo - Brevard County, Florida - 1.1.0
0.1, Ophelia - September 14, 2014 - Rijo x Mia
1.0, Felix - May 2, 2016 - Rijo x Mia


Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas, Texas - 3.1.0
0.1, Sonho - November 26, 2006 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Tauro - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Paulo - July 31, 2012 - Tucano x Kara
1.0, Jivaro - April 24, 2013 - Tucano x Kara


Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas - 2.2.0
1.0, Rijo - November 26, 2006 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Drucilla - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Maximo - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia
0.1, Marlena - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia


Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida - 3.6.0
1.0, Buddy - September 2008 - Wild-Born
0.1, Sarave - November 3, 2011- Witoto x Kara
1.0, Salvador “Aidan” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Mazaruni “Coker” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Merume “Eleanor” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Kaituma - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Annie - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Unnamed - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
1.0, Ken - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave


Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California - 1.2.0
1.0, Bajo - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Mia - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa
0.1, Rosario - May 2, 2016 - Bajo x Mia


Moody Gardens - Galveston, Texas - 1.1.0
0.1, Ella - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Manuel “Manny” - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia


Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 2.2.0
0.1, Ariranha - June 4, 2010 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Yeyuno - June 4, 2010 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Thor - May 3, 2011 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Matteo - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa


Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence, Rhode Island - 2.0.0
1.0, Romo - March 21, 2012 - Rijo x Chiricoa
1.0, Fernando - September 14, 2014 - Rijo x Chiricoa


Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia - 1.1.0
0.1, Tocantins - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Bakairi - January 31, 2011 - Witoto x Kara


Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 2.2.0
0.1, Kara - March 13, 2005 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Zimuco - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
1.0, Panobo - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
0.1, Matata - November 21, 2014 - Tucano x Kara



Columbia

Zoologico de Cali - 1.2.0
0.1, Manuela - ~2009 - Wild-Caught
1.0, Marubo - April 24, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
0.1, Leticia - ~2019 - Wild-Caught

 

[Dhole dude]

Here is the recent (12/5/2021) Giant Otter population.

The United States/European Giant Otter Population​

This document keeps a record of all births, deaths, locations, and transfers of all Giant Otters in the United States, Canada, and Europe. This document will be constantly updated to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible. Feel free to leave any new information in the comments of this thread.

The facilities are organized by country, then in alphabetical order by the name of the facility. The individuals were organized by age.


Total Facilities with Giant Otters: 12; 11 United States; 1 Columbia

Total Amount of Individuals: 41 (19.22.0); 18.20 United States; 1.2 Columbia


United States

Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham, Alabama - 0.2.0
0.1, Lara - January 31, 2011 -Witoto x Kara
0.1, Karina - November 3, 2011 -Witoto x Kara


Brevard Zoo - Brevard County, Florida - 1.1.0
0.1, Ophelia - September 14, 2014 - Rijo x Mia
1.0, Felix - May 2, 2016 - Rijo x Mia


Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas, Texas - 3.1.0
0.1, Sonho - November 26, 2006 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Tauro - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Paulo - July 31, 2012 - Tucano x Kara
1.0, Jivaro - April 24, 2013 - Tucano x Kara


Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas - 2.2.0
1.0, Rijo - November 26, 2006 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Drucilla - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Maximo - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia
0.1, Marlena - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia


Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida - 3.6.0
1.0, Buddy - September 2008 - Wild-Born
0.1, Sarave - November 3, 2011- Witoto x Kara
1.0, Salvador “Aidan” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Mazaruni “Coker” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Merume “Eleanor” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Kaituma - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Annie - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Unnamed - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
1.0, Ken - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave


Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California - 1.2.0
1.0, Bajo - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Mia - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa
0.1, Rosario - May 2, 2016 - Bajo x Mia


Moody Gardens - Galveston, Texas - 1.1.0
0.1, Ella - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Manuel “Manny” - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia


Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 2.2.0
0.1, Ariranha - June 4, 2010 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Yeyuno - June 4, 2010 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Thor - May 3, 2011 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Matteo - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa


Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence, Rhode Island - 2.0.0
1.0, Romo - March 21, 2012 - Rijo x Chiricoa
1.0, Fernando - September 14, 2014 - Rijo x Chiricoa


Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia - 1.1.0
0.1, Tocantins - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Bakairi - January 31, 2011 - Witoto x Kara


Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 2.2.0
0.1, Kara - March 13, 2005 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Zimuco - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
1.0, Panobo - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
0.1, Matata - November 21, 2014 - Tucano x Kara



Columbia

Zoologico de Cali - 1.2.0
0.1, Manuela - ~2009 - Wild-Caught
1.0, Marubo - April 24, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
0.1, Leticia - ~2019 - Wild-Caught

If this is the United States Giant Otter Population, why is a Columbian zoo included on this list?

 

[Aardwolf]

Cali is an AZA member, so animals from that zoo are part of the US breeding population

 

[Valentinoamor]

If this is the United States Giant Otter Population, why is a Columbian zoo included on this list?

This is exactly why.

I actually meant to change the title to North American Giant Otter population. Transfers happen between the facilities regularly so I included them.

 

[MennoPebesma]

Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas, Texas - 3.1.0
0.1, Sonho - November 26, 2006 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Tauro - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Paulo - July 31, 2012 - Tucano x Kara
1.0, Jivaro - April 24, 2013 - Tucano x Kara

According to Species360/ZIMS, Dallas World Aquarium only has 2.0 giant otters left. I have not been able to find which animals are the two, but given the age of Sonho and Tauro, it is possible that those two have died.

0.1 Matata will move from Zoo Miami to Dallas World Aquarium soon. According to Zoo Miami to join a lone male. So there is probably only one giant otter left in Dallas.

Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas - 2.2.0
1.0, Rijo - November 26, 2006 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Drucilla - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Maximo - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia
0.1, Marlena - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia

0.1 Drucilla died in 2021
1.0 Rijo died in 2022
1.0 Ken and 0.1 Merume moved to Houston Zoo from Jacksonville Zoo

Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida - 3.6.0
1.0, Buddy - September 2008 - Wild-Born
0.1, Sarave - November 3, 2011- Witoto x Kara
1.0, Salvador “Aidan” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Mazaruni “Coker” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Merume “Eleanor” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Kaituma - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Annie - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Unnamed - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
1.0, Ken - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave

1.0 Salvador and 0.1 Mazaruni have moved to Moody Gardens
1.0 Ken and 0.1 Merume have moved to Houston Zoo

Moody Gardens - Galveston, Texas - 1.1.0
0.1, Ella - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Manuel “Manny” - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia

1.0 Salvador and 0.1 Mazaruni moved to Moody Gardens from Jacksonville Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 2.2.0
0.1, Ariranha - June 4, 2010 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Yeyuno - June 4, 2010 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Thor - May 3, 2011 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Matteo - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa

0.1 Ariranha died in 2022

Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 2.2.0
0.1, Kara - March 13, 2005 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Zimuco - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
1.0, Panobo - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
0.1, Matata - November 21, 2014 - Tucano x Kara

0.1 Matata will soon move to Dallas World Aquarium.

Zoologico de Cali - 1.2.0
0.1, Manuela - ~2009 - Wild-Caught
1.0, Marubo - April 24, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
0.1, Leticia - ~2019 - Wild-Caught

0.1 Unnamed rescued in 2022
0.1 Kirpa rescued in 2023

 

[Valentinoamor]

10/28/2023
Thanks to @MennoPebesma for the info!

North American Giant Otter Population​

This document keeps a record of all births, deaths, locations, and transfers of all Giant Otters in North America. This document will be constantly updated to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible. Feel free to leave any new information in the comments of this thread.​

The facilities are organized by country, then in alphabetical order by the name of the facility. The individuals were organized by age.

Total Facilities with Giant Otters: 12; 11 United States; 1 Columbia
Total Amount of Individuals: 38 (17.21); 16.17 United States; 1.4 Columbia


United States

Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham, Alabama - 0.2.0
0.1, Lara - January 31, 2011 -Witoto x Kara
0.1, Karina - November 3, 2011 -Witoto x Kara

Brevard Zoo - Brevard County, Florida - 1.1.0
0.1, Ophelia - September 14, 2014 - Rijo x Mia
1.0, Felix - May 2, 2016 - Rijo x Mia

Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas, Texas - 2.0.0
1.0, Paulo - July 31, 2012 - Tucano x Kara
1.0, Jivaro - April 24, 2013 - Tucano x Kara

Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas - 2.2.0
1.0, Maximo - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia
0.1, Marlena - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia
0.1, Merume “Eleanor” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
1.0, Ken - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave

Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida - 1.4.0
1.0, Buddy - September 2008 - Wild-Born
0.1, Sarave - November 3, 2011- Witoto x Kara
0.1, Kaituma - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Annie - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Unnamed - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave

Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California - 1.2.0
1.0, Bajo - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Mia - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa
0.1, Rosario - May 2, 2016 - Bajo x Mia

Moody Gardens - Galveston, Texas - 2.2.0
0.1, Ella - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Manuel “Manny” - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia
1.0, Salvador “Aidan” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
0.1, Mazaruni “Coker” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave

Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 2.1.0
0.1, Yeyuno - June 4, 2010 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Thor - May 3, 2011 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Matteo - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa

Roger Williams Park Zoo - Providence, Rhode Island - 2.0.0
1.0, Romo - March 21, 2012 - Rijo x Chiricoa
1.0, Fernando - September 14, 2014 - Rijo x Chiricoa

Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia - 1.1.0
0.1, Tocantins - August 18, 2008 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Bakairi - January 31, 2011 - Witoto x Kara

Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 2.2.0
0.1, Kara - March 13, 2005 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Zimuco - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
1.0, Panobo - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
0.1, Matata - November 21, 2014 - Tucano x Kara

Columbia

Zoologico de Cali - 1.4.0
0.1, Manuela - ~2009 - Wild-Caught
1.0, Marubo - April 24, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
0.1, Leticia - ~2019 - Wild-Caught
0.1, Unknown - ~2022 - Wild-Caught
0.1, Kirpa - ~2023 - Wild-Caught

-

The population has shrunk slightly since the last time I posted this. The program for this species may have been reduced to "Studbook" status, so I am unsure if they still get breeding recommendations or not. It'll be a shame if this species disappears from zoos here.

 

[MennoPebesma]

The 8-year-old giant otter female Rosario recently left Los Angeles Zoo for Argentina to join the reintroduction project. She is currently still in quarantine. After this, she will move to a pre-release enclosure together with a male. The hope is that they will then form a large otter family that can be released into the wild.

Rosario is the first giant otter from North America to join this project.

Source: Instagram Rewilding Argentina

 

[MennoPebesma]

Some updates:

- Caldwell Zoo is or will soon be a new holder of the giant otter.

Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas - 2.2.0
1.0, Maximo - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia
0.1, Marlena - March 28, 2015 - Bajo x Mia
0.1, Merume “Eleanor” - June 18, 2019 - Buddy x Sarave
1.0, Ken - October 16, 2020 - Buddy x Sarave

1.0 Maximo died in 2024.

Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California - 1.2.0
1.0, Bajo - June 21, 2009 - Banjo x Nina
0.1, Mia - July 10, 2011 - Rijo x Chiricoa
0.1, Rosario - May 2, 2016 - Bajo x Mia

1.0 Bajo died in 2023.
0.1 Rosario moved to a rewilding project in Argentina in 2024.

Zoo Miami - Miami, Florida - 2.2.0
0.1, Kara - March 13, 2005 - Banjo x Nina
1.0, Zimuco - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara
1.0, Panobo - December 19, 2013 - Tucano x Kara

0.1 Kara died in 2025.