First Flight (Prose): Mijbil the Otter

Topics in this chapter

• Mijbil’s Origin and Acquisition
• Habits and Water Play
• Human-Animal Bond and Understanding
• Basra to London Journey
• Flight Incidents and Travel Challenges
• London Reactions and Humour

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-6A236E

   What species of otter was Mijbil, and where did Gavin Maxwell obtain him from?

   1. A.Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, from the Tigris marshes
   2. B.Lutra lutra, from the banks of the Euphrates river
   3. C.Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, from a pet shop in London
   4. D.A newly discovered subspecies, from an animal sanctuary in Basra
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-7B9E67

   How did Mijbil first behave toward water during his initial days with the author?

   1. A.He was terrified of water and refused to go near the bathtub.
   2. B.He showed absolute indifference initially, neither fleeing nor entering it.
   3. C.He plunged into the bathtub with a violent, ecstatic fury, splashing and roaring.
   4. D.He only drank water and avoided any form of swimming or splashing.
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-E9C025

   Describe the disastrous incident that occurred inside the aircraft box during Maxwell's journey to London.

   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-F1A354

   What extraordinary game did Mijbil invent with a ping-pong ball and a suitcase?

   1. A.He balanced the ball on his nose while riding the suitcase down the stairs.
   2. B.He used a damaged suitcase lid as a sloping board to roll and catch the ball before it hit the floor.
   3. C.He hid the ball inside the suitcase and tried to pick locks with his paws.
   4. D.He bounced the ball off the walls to hit the open handle of the suitcase.
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-10EFCB

   Why did the people of London struggle to identify Mijbil correctly, and what bizarre guesses did they make?

   See the answer and solution