Written by Gavin Maxwell, this is the true and affectionate account of the author’s experience of keeping an otter as a pet. While in southern Iraq, Maxwell decides to keep an otter instead of a dog and acquires one he names Mijbil, of a species so rare it is later named after him — Maxwell’s otter. Mijbil is playful and intelligent, inventing his own games, such as juggling marbles and splashing in water, and growing deeply attached to the author. The chapter humorously describes the difficulties of transporting Mijbil from Iraq to England by air, including the airline’s rules, packing him in a box, and the chaos he causes on the flight. People in London are astonished and curious about the strange creature, mistaking it for many different animals. The story beautifully captures the bond between humans and animals, the otter’s endearing nature, and the responsibilities and joys of caring for a wild pet.
The story in 6 beats
1In Iraq, Maxwell gets an otter named Mijbil instead of keeping a dog.
2At first Mijbil seems dull, but soon he becomes playful, clever, and very attached to Maxwell.
3Mijbil loves water and games, especially with marbles, and he learns the flat quickly.
4When Maxwell must return to England, he struggles with airline rules and prepares a box for Mijbil.
5Mijbil escapes from the box before the flight, creates confusion, and later travels with Maxwell on the plane.
6In London, people stare at Mijbil and guess many wrong animals, while Maxwell enjoys his unusual pet.
The human–animal bondMijbil’s playful natureKeeping a wild petThe journey to EnglandMaxwell’s otter as a new species
Characters & key ideas
GGavin MaxwellThe author who keeps an otter as a pet and narrates the story.
MMijbilThe playful otter of a rare species named after Maxwell.
MMaxwell’s otterThe new species name given to Mijbil’s kind of otter.
CCamusfeàrnaMaxwell’s home in the Scottish Highlands where he raised the otter.
HHuman–animal bondThe affectionate relationship between Maxwell and Mijbil.
TThe airline journeyThe difficult, comic transport of Mijbil to England.
Word meanings · शब्दार्थ
marshes
wet muddy lands
compulsive habits
hard-to-control repeated actions
disengage
free or separate
apathy
lack of interest
quintessentially
in the truest way
labyrinth
a confusing passage system
chittering
making quick sharp sounds
squirmed
twisted with quick movements
infernal
very annoying or terrible
frightened life out of
made extremely scared
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