First Flight – Chapter 6: Mijbil the Otter

About the Author: Gavin Maxwell was a Scottish naturalist and author, best known for his book "Ring of Bright Water" about his life in the Scottish Highlands with his pet otters.

Summary: The story describes the author's journey to keep an otter as a pet. After his dog died, he decided to get an otter from the Tigris marshes in Iraq. He reached an agreement with his friend to send him an otter. Initially, he was sent a wrong animal, but eventually he received a small, playful otter named Mijbil. Mijbil was very active, playful, and intelligent. He developed a deep bond with the author. He loved to play with water and invented his own games. The author describes the difficulties of transporting Mijbil back to London, including the challenges of taking him on a flight and the otter's reaction to being caged. The story ends with Mijbil's playful escapades in London, including an incident where he created chaos in an aeroplane cabin.

Answer: Maxwell thought Camusfearna would be suitable for the experiment of keeping an otter as a pet.

Answer: He went to Basra to collect his otter. His friend had arranged for an otter to be sent to him from the Tigris marshes. He received a small, playful otter named Mijbil.

Answer: Mijbil was transported to England by air. The author took him on a flight from Basra to London via Paris. There were difficulties because the airline would not allow the otter in the cabin initially.

Answer: Mijbil invented a game with a rubber ball. He would roll the ball to the end of the bathtub and then chase it. He also invented a game with a ping-pong ball, where he would bounce it and catch it.

Answer: Otters in general are playful, intelligent, and love water. They are active and enjoy playing with objects. Mijbil was particularly playful, inventive, and affectionate. He was also very energetic and loved to explore his surroundings.

Answer: Mij's species is now known as Maxwell's otter because Gavin Maxwell was the first person to bring this species of otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli) to the attention of the scientific world. It was named in his honour.

Answer: Mij shows intelligence by inventing games like rolling a rubber ball to the end of the bathtub. He shows friendliness by following the author around and sleeping on his knee. He shows his fun-loving nature by playing with water, splashing water, and creating chaos in the aeroplane. He needed love and attention, and when the author was away, he would become restless and anxious.

Answer: Otters are playful, intelligent, and love water. They are active and nocturnal. They can be trained and form strong bonds with humans. They enjoy playing with objects like balls and rubber rings. They are clean animals and love to groom themselves. They are also very curious and explore their surroundings. They dislike being confined and can become anxious when separated from their owners.

Answer: Mij's species is now known as Maxwell's otter because Gavin Maxwell, the author, brought this particular species of otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli) to the attention of the scientific world. The species was named after him in recognition of his discovery.

Answer: Maxwell placed various objects like marbles, a rubber ball, and a brass curtain ring in front of Mij to see which one he would play with. Mij showed a special fondness for the brass ring. The author then used the ring to play with Mij, and it became their favourite game. (Students should answer the second part based on their own favourite game.)

Answer:
(i) In the beginning, I found the work difficult.
(ii) For the first time, I saw a rainbow in the sky.
(iii) The thief entered the house through the window.
(iv) We arrived at the airport two hours before the flight.
(v) The child was playing on the floor.
(vi) The keys were lying at the bottom of the bag.
(vii) We stopped at a restaurant on the way.
(viii) The children were playing in the mud after the rain.

Marshes: an area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons
Fuselage: the main body of an aircraft
Cabinet: a piece of furniture with shelves or drawers
Protest: a statement of disagreement or objection
Squirmed: twisted the body from side to side
Apologetically: in a manner showing regret for an offence
Specimen: an individual animal or plant used as an example
Boundary: a line that marks the limits of an area
Interactive: involving communication between people or animals
Rasping: a harsh, grating sound
Ramp: a sloping surface joining two different levels
Nuzzle: to rub or push gently with the nose

Answer:
(i) The otter was named Mijbil.
(ii) Mijbil was small, playful, and covered with a thick, soft coat of fur.
(iii) His feet were webbed, which helped him swim.

Answer:
(i) The author wanted to take the otter to London because he lived there and wanted to keep Mijbil as a pet.
(ii) The airline authorities were not willing to allow the otter in the cabin.
(iii) The author persuaded the authorities by explaining that the otter was a clean and well-behaved animal. Finally, they allowed the otter to be carried in a special box.

Answer: The story shows that humans and animals can share a deep, affectionate, and meaningful bond. The author and Mijbil developed a strong emotional connection. The author took great care of Mijbil, and Mijbil showed love, trust, and loyalty in return. The story also highlights the importance of understanding an animal's needs and behaviour. It teaches us that animals are sentient beings capable of forming strong attachments and that they deserve our love, care, and respect.

Answer: The author faced several challenges in transporting Mijbil to London. First, the airline authorities were initially unwilling to allow the otter in the cabin. They wanted him to be carried in the cargo hold, which would have been uncomfortable for the otter. The author had to persuade them to allow Mijbil in a special box. Second, during the flight, Mijbil escaped from the box and created chaos in the cabin, running around and frightening passengers. The author had to catch him and calm him down.

Answer: Mijbil was special because his species was previously unknown to the scientific world. After Gavin Maxwell brought Mijbil to England, scientists identified that Mijbil belonged to a distinct species of otter. This species was named "Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli" or "Maxwell's otter" in honour of Gavin Maxwell. Thus, Mijbil played a crucial role in the discovery and classification of a new species of otter.