Mijbil the Otter Notes Chapter 6 English Class 10

In 1956, Maxwell went to Southern Iraq.
His friend suggested he could get an otter from the Tigris marshes (where otters were common).
At the British Consulate-General in Basra, his friend arranged a surprise.
Two Arabs gave Maxwell a sack with a note from his friend: “Here is your otter.”

From the sack came a strange creature, muddy and scaly, but with soft fur underneath.
Maxwell named him Mijbil (short form: Mij).
Later, zoologists discovered it was a new species, named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli (Maxwell’s otter).

First 24 hours: aloof, neither friendly nor hostile.
Second night: slept on Maxwell’s bed and started bonding.
Loved water: played joyfully in the bathtub, splashing and plunging.
Very playful:
- Rolled marbles on his belly.
- Dribbled rubber balls like a football player.
- Juggled with small objects.
Showed intelligence:
- Learned to open water taps.
- Responded to his name and followed Maxwell.

Problem: British airline didn’t allow animals.
Maxwell booked a flight Basra → Paris → London.
Airline required the otter in a small box (18-inch square).
Mij hurt himself trying to escape, leaving blood inside the box.
Maxwell was upset but had no choice-he put Mij back.
On the plane:
- Mij escaped and ran through the aircraft.
- A woman screamed, thinking he was a rat.
- Air hostess helped; brought Mij back safely.
- Mij cuddled and nuzzled Maxwell lovingly.

Stayed nearly a month in Maxwell’s flat.
Mij invented games:
- Rolled a ping-pong ball down a slanted suitcase, then ran to catch it.
Went for walks on a lead like a dog.
Developed compulsive habits:
- Touched every railing or lamp post during walks.
- Ran along a school wall, amusing children and distracting teachers.

Londoners did not recognize the otter.
Guesses: baby seal, squirrel, walrus, hippo, beaver, bear cub, leopard, even brontosaur.
Funniest reaction: a labourer angrily asked, “Here, Mister – what is that supposed to be?”