1. Otter Enrichment TEAM MEMBERS: VAMSI VARRA, ADITYA YADAVALLI, AND MICHAEL MATHISON CLIENT: ST. LOUIS ZOO SECTION 2

2. Otter Cup-stacking Video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wavh47RpLz4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wavh47RpLz4

3. Need and Project Scope  Oscar the otter, at the St. Louis Zoo, needs enrichment in order to keep his stress levels low, and maintain his overall health  Not enough land  Fully functional, working model  Help from an undergraduate electrical engineer, Kunal Patel

4. Background  Lontra Canadensis: Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna  Movement types: “quadrupedal paddling, forelimb paddling, alternate hind-limb paddling, simultaneous hind-limb paddling, or body and tail dorsoventral undulation.”  Diet is mainly fish and crustaceans  Can use tools  Observational Learning

5. Specific Design Requirements  < $50  Safe  Indestructible  Can’t be used to climb out  Floats  Should not cause obesity/allergies/other illnesses  Should not cause high levels of stress or overactivity

6. Existing Solutions  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsRlO4dQJGI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsRlO4dQJGI  Playing piano  Public interactive live cricket feeding  Live fish, frozen fish, swim tubes, and PVC pipe scent tubes  Scented plastic balls  Bamboo hoop with food

7. Literature Study NameAuthorSummary Lontra candensis Lariviere et al.This study provides a great deal of background on the general anatomy and structure of the Lontra candensis in addition to its ecology and its reproductive behavior Foraging Behavior and Feeding Ecology of the Otter Lutra Lutra: A Selective Review David N. CarssThis study highlights the foraging behavior, habitat psychology and dietary needs of the river otter. AZA Otter Care Manual AZA Small Carnivore Taxon Advisory Group This manual summarizes every aspect from typical environment, behavior management, animal health care, and future research. Bite Forces and Evolutionary Adaptations to Feeding Ecology in Carnivores Christiansen et al. This study summarizes the bite strength and histology of jaw development in Carnivores closely related to the otter.

8. Patents Patent NamePublication Number Description of Product/ Relevance to Otter Enrichment Animal Enrichment Devices US2014006933 8 This is a mobile device form which the animal can attempt to withdraw food from. The animal’s effort to obtain food will be rewarded by this device. Used to reward otters. Combined Kennel Door and Latch USD367734 This is a kennel where the animal is housed and transported in. A latch that cannot be mistakenly opened by the animal is located on the outside of the kennel. Patent was referenced by the creators of Vari-Kennel, the kennel used for otters. Monofilament Ribbon Pile Product US3332828This is the patent for what is more commonly known as Astro-Turf. This is used to imitate grass an otter would encounter in a real habitat. Dog Chew Toy USD348959This product is a long rope with rubber fiber hybrids interspaced throughout the toy allowing for graspable locations. This product is used to promote activity and enrich the social aspect of the river otter in captivity. Bobbin US2170773An old patent for the spool holding thread or wire during machine sewing and lacemaking. This is replicated on a larger level for otters as toys for further activity and enrichment. Super-Enhanced, Adjustably Buoyant Floating Island US2011014655 9 This is a floating island used to decorate ponds and other bodies of water. This is used as further enrichment to emulate a natural habitat for the otter.

9. Preliminary Analysis Performed  Otter Weight: 11 to 30 lbs  Body Size: 55 to 80 cm  Tail Size: 30 to 50 cm  Can swim up to 20 meters underwater and at 11 km/h.  Highly sensitive to any kind of pollution in water: threshold value for toxicity of mercury poisoning is 20-30 ppm  Estimated Bite Strength 223.4 Newtons  Can climb and jump heights up to 6 feet

10. Current Exhibit Dimensions  Holding: 8' x 4' chain link enclosure (2" x 2" openings)  Mulch area: ~4ft x 5ft  Sand area: ~13ft x 4ft  River rock: ~4ft x 5 ft  Concrete areas: Shorelines are 2-4ft wide; steps: ~1.5ft x 9ft

11. Preliminary Design Schedule DateObjective 18-Sep Finish rough draft of preliminary report and send to Dr. Klaesner for review 19-Sep Turn in finished version of preliminary report 22-Sep Preliminary oral report given by Vamsi 9/27 – 10/04 Brainstorm of all possible solutions 22-Oct Finish rough draft of progress report and send to Dr. Klaesner for review 24-Oct Turn in finished version of progress report 27-Oct Progress oral report given by Aditya 11/03 – 11/06 Narrowing down of solutions to one that we will implement 11/10 – 11/27 Detailing of final solution and making of prototype 19-Nov Finish and turn in peer reviews 29-Nov Finish rough draft of final report and send to Dr. Klaesner for review 1-Dec Turn in finished version of final report 3-Dec Final oral report and presentation of prototype done by Michael 12/5 – 12/20 Conversion of prototype into a lasting, working model

12. Team Responsibilities  Vamsi Varra:  Designates team roles and assignments  Maintains contact with zoo contact and electrical engineer collaborator  Aditya Yadavalli  Resources  Final check of assignments  Safety and Regulations  Michael Mathison  Coding  Patent Information  Market Analysis