The goal of good husbandry is an environment that enables oiled sea otters to regain health and restore their fur so they can be released as soon as possible. However, the stress of captivity can be as debilitating and life threatening as the effects of oil. Husbandry protocols should minimize this stress by providing:
1) properly designed housing with access to clean seawater,
2) appropriate ventilation and temperature control,
3) good nutrition,
4) minimal visual and acoustic disturbance,
5) socialization with other otters,
6) a sanitary and disease-free environment, and
7) minimal handling by husbandry personnel.
Husbandry personnel should recognize abnormal sea otter behaviors and the clinical signs of distress so that corrective measures can be taken immediately.