Questions & Answers: "Mijbil the Otter"

Maxwell thought Camusfearna would be suitable for keeping an otter as a pet instead of a dog. He wanted to experiment with raising an otter in the natural surroundings of his home in Scotland, which had water, space, and a suitable environment for such an animal.

Maxwell goes to Basra to collect and bring back an otter as his pet. He waits there for five days because his mail, including the delivery of the otter, is delayed.

Maxwell gets the otter in Basra, as a gift from his friend. Two Arabs bring it to his hotel in a sack that squirmed from time to time, and one of them hands it to him, saying, “Here is your otter.”

Yes, he likes it immediately. He describes it with fascination and admiration, showing his deep affection from the beginning. This is clear from phrases like:

• "An otter fixation had taken hold of me."
• "It was a cross between a chocolate-brown mud and a creature that is pointed in both ends."

The otter was named “Maxwell’s otter” because it belonged to Gavin Maxwell and was later identified as a new species by zoologists. Scientifically, it was called Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, a subspecies of the smooth-coated otter found in the marshes of Iraq. Naming it after Maxwell honoured his discovery and close bond with the animal.

In the beginning, the otter was aloof and indifferent.

When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, the otter was excited and fascinated by the water. It went wild with joy, plunging and rolling in the bathtub, playing with the water taps, and splashing around energetically.

Two days later, Mijbil had learned how to turn on the tap by himself. He would twist the tap to get a trickle of water and amuse himself by playing under it for long periods.

Mij was to be transported to England by air, as Maxwell was flying from Iraq to London. Since animals were not allowed on the plane’s passenger cabin, Mij had to be packed in a box and placed in the luggage compartment for the journey.

Mij disliked being locked in the box and tried to escape. He tore the lining of the box, ripped open the metal mesh, and hurt himself in the process, making the box a mess by the time Maxwell reached the airport.

Maxwell put the otter back in the box because the airline required animals to be transported in a box. Though he knew Mij disliked it, he had no other choice due to airline rules. He likely felt guilty and anxious, as he cared deeply for Mij and didn’t want to see him distressed or hurt again.

Maxwell says the airhostess was “the very queen of her kind” because she was extremely kind, understanding, and helpful. When he explained the situation about Mijbil, she allowed him to take the otter out of the box and even gave him permission to keep Mij on his knee during the flight. Her empathy and support made a stressful situation much easier for Maxwell.

When the box was opened, Mijbil the otter jumped out and disappeared inside the aircraft. He caused a commotion by running all over the plane, under seats and around passengers, creating panic. Eventually, Maxwell managed to catch Mij with the help of a few others, and calm the situation.

Mijbil invented a game with a rubber ball and the bathtub. He would drop the ball into the bathtub filled with water, then jump in and splash around to retrieve it, often using his paws to push it underwater and then chase it again. He repeated this game joyfully and tirelessly, showing his playful and intelligent nature.

‘Compulsive habits’ are actions that someone repeats regularly, often without thinking, because they feel driven to do them.

Maxwell says: (i) School children develop compulsive habits like placing their books, pencils, and other things in a specific order on their desks. (ii) Mij, the otter, had a compulsive habit of jumping on Maxwell’s knees and rolling onto his back every time he returned to the bedroom, even if it was just for a moment.

Otters belong to the group of animals called mustelids or the weasel family. This group also includes animals like weasels, ferrets, badgers, and minks.

The Londoners were unfamiliar with otters and made many amusing guesses about Mij. They thought he might be a baby seal, a squirrel, a walrus, a beaver, or even a hippopotamus. Some simply asked what it was.

Mij shows his intelligence by inventing a game with a ping-pong ball, demonstrating his playful and curious nature. He is friendly and adapts to Maxwell, following him and playing with him. Mij enjoys being around people and dislikes being left alone, showing his need for affection and companionship. His fun-loving behavior, like sliding into the bathtub and exploring playfully, reflects his joyful and loving personality.

From the text, we learn that otters are intelligent, playful, and curious animals. They enjoy water and are natural swimmers. Otters are also affectionate and can form strong bonds with humans. They like inventing games and exploring their surroundings. Mij, the otter in the story, shows emotions, has unique habits, and needs attention and companionship, indicating that otters are sensitive and social creatures.

Mij belonged to a previously unknown species of otter found in Iraq. When scientists later identified and classified this species, it was named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell’s otter, in honour of Gavin Maxwell, who introduced it to the world through his writings.

1. Plunges, rolls in the water: Mij is excited and joyful, showing his love for water and playfulness.
2. Screws the tap in the wrong way: Mij is curious and intelligent, trying to figure out how the tap works.
3. Nuzzles Maxwell in the plane: Mij feels affectionate and seeks comfort, showing trust and emotional bonding.

Here are selected statements from the text that support the given points: (i) “He spent most of his time in play.” – Shows Mij is like a small boy. (iii) “I watched, amazed...” – Shows Maxwell is often surprised by Mij’s actions. (iv) “He would throw the ball... like a four-footed soccer player.” – A comical description of Mij’s antics. (v) “A suitcase that I had taken to Iraq had become Mij’s playbox...” – Shows Maxwell observes Mij carefully. (vii) “It is, in fact, of a race previously unknown to science.” – Shows Maxwell finds Mij very unusual. These lines support how Maxwell’s descriptions bring out Mij’s unique, amusing, and almost human-like behavior.

I have a pet cat named Snowy. She is pure white with bright green eyes and a pink nose. Every morning, she sits near the window and watches the birds. She loves to curl up beside me when I study, purring softly. When she is hungry, she gently taps my arm with her paw. I think she feels safe and loved with me, and I feel the same about her. She is playful, gentle, and always makes me smile with her silly jumps and sudden sprints around the house.