Mijbil the Otter — Practice

Question 1

Where did the writer get his otter, and what did he name it?

Accepted Answer

✦ Answer: he got it in Southern Iraq (delivered at Basra) and named it Mijbil (Mij).

Question 2

What was Mij's favourite thing to play with and in?

Accepted Answer

✦ Answer: it loved water and toys like a rubber/ping-pong ball and marbles, and even turned on the tap to splash.

Question 3

Why couldn't the writer take Mij on his original airline?

Accepted Answer

The airline (BOAC) would not carry the otter, so he had to book another airline that allowed animals in a box.

✦ Answer: BOAC refused otters, so he changed to another airline.

Question 4

How did Mij hurt itself before the flight?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — The airline insisted Mij be packed into a box an hour before the flight and left alone.

Step 2 — Frightened and panicked, Mij struggled and tore the lining of the box, injuring itself; the writer found it bloodied on his return.

✦ Answer: left alone and frightened in the box, it panicked and tore the lining, hurting itself.

Question 5

Describe Mij's nature.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Mij was playful, affectionate and mischievous, and grew deeply attached to the writer.

Step 2 — It loved water and toys, learned to turn on the tap, and behaved almost like a human child.

✦ Answer: playful, affectionate, mischievous, water-loving and childlike.

Question 6

How did Londoners react to seeing Mij, and what does it show?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Unfamiliar with otters, Londoners guessed Mij was everything from a baby seal to a walrus, beaver, hippo or even a 'brontosaur'.

Step 2 — This comic confusion shows how rarely city people encounter wild animals like otters.

✦ Answer: they made wild wrong guesses (seal, walrus, etc.), showing how unfamiliar people are with otters.

Question 7

How does 'Mijbil the Otter' portray the bond between humans and animals?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — The writer, lonely after his dog's death, chose an otter and formed a deep, loving companionship with Mij.

Step 2 — Mij grew attached to him, slept in his bed, and behaved like a devoted child; the writer patiently cared for it through the difficult journey.

Step 3 — Even the trouble Mij caused (the bloodied box, the escape on the plane) only deepened their bond.

Step 4 — The story shows animals as companions with real personalities, deserving affection, patience and responsible care.

✦ Answer: a deep, loving companionship — Mij as a personality, not a possession — built through affection, patience and responsible care.

Question 8

What responsibilities come with keeping a wild animal as a pet, as shown in the story?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Understanding the animal's natural needs (Mij needed water and play).

Step 2 — Patience and gentleness, especially when the animal is frightened (Mij's panic in the box).

Step 3 — Effort and planning for its welfare (arranging suitable travel, comforting it).

Step 4 — Constant care and affection, treating the animal as a companion, not a plaything.

✦ Answer: meeting the animal's needs, patience when it is scared, careful planning for its welfare, and loving, responsible care.

Practice — Mijbil the Otter

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