Travel in Southern Iraq and Otter Keeping

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Questions and Answers

How did Mijbil's behavior change after the first night?

After the first night, Mijbil became less aloof and more interested in his surroundings, even coming to sleep on the speaker's bed.

What did the speaker do to allow Mijbil to explore more freely?

The speaker made a body-belt for Mijbil and took him on a lead.

What was the first sign of Mijbil's excitement when introduced to water?

He went wild with joy, plunging and rolling in the bathtub, making a considerable splash.

What is the scientific name given to Mijbil by zoologists?

The scientific name given to Mijbil is Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mijbil behave during the first 24 hours of being with the speaker?

Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was aloof and indifferent. Signup and view all the answers

What feelings did the speaker initially experience about owning an otter?

The speaker felt a sense of fixation and thraldom towards otters. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic behavior of otters is mentioned regarding water?

Otters tend to extend and spread every drop of water, often overturning bowls or splashing in them. Signup and view all the answers

What play activities did Mijbil enjoy while at home?

Mij liked to shuffle a rubber ball and juggle marbles on his belly. Signup and view all the answers

What concerns did the speaker have about transporting Mij to England?

The speaker worried about Mij being confined in a small box during the journey. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Mijbil while he was in the transport box before the flight?

Mij tore the box lining to shreds and was blood-spattered when released. Signup and view all the answers

How did the speaker manage to communicate about Mij's needs during the flight?

The speaker informed the air hostess about Mij's situation and provided her with fish. Signup and view all the answers

What assistance did the air hostess provide during the flight?

The air hostess was very accommodating and helped keep Mij's fish in a cool place. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mijbil's reaction when the speaker returned to the box?

Mij whimpered and caught at the speaker's leg, indicating distress. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mij demonstrate his frustration when unable to turn the tap correctly?

Mij chattered with irritation and disappointment at the tap's failure. Signup and view all the answers

What specific requirements did the airline have for transporting Mij?

The airline required Mij to be packed in a box no more than eighteen inches square. Signup and view all the answers

What qualities did the speaker attribute to the air hostess?

The speaker described her as the 'queen of her kind,' showing deep admiration. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Journey to Southern Iraq

The narrative takes place in early 1956 during a trip to Southern Iraq.
The protagonist contemplates owning an otter instead of a dog, considering the local environment of Camusfearna, which is surrounded by water.

Engagement with Local Wildlife

A friend suggests obtaining an otter from the Mer Tigris marshes, where otters are abundant and often tamed by local Arabs.
This implies a cultural and ecological understanding of local wildlife dynamics in Iraq.

Visit to Basra Consulate-General

The purpose of the visit to Basra was to collect and respond to mail from Europe.
The protagonist experiences difficulties in receiving mail; while a friend's mail arrives, his does not.

Communication Challenges

Attempts to contact England via cable result in delays; nothing arrives after three days.
Phone call attempts face significant challenges:
- Booking requires a twenty-four-hour advance notice.
- Encounter breakdowns: the phone line is out of order and the exchange is closed for a religious holiday.

Arrival of the Otter

After a week of waiting and failed communication attempts, the protagonist finally receives his mail.
Unexpectedly greeted by two Arabs who offer him a squirming sack, revealing that the friend had arranged for the otter to be delivered.
This moment marks the culmination of the quest for an otter, showcasing elements of surprise and the fulfillment of the protagonist's desire.

Otter Ownership Experience

Introduction to the narrator's lifelong bond with otters, specifically named Mijbil.
Mijbil characterized as resembling a small dragon, covered in mud armor with chocolate-brown velvet fur.
The otter species later identified as Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or Maxwell's otter, previously unknown to science.

Initial Behavior

Mijbil exhibited aloofness initially, showing indifference towards the narrator.
After the first night, Mijbil began to display affection by sleeping next to the narrator, indicating the development of their bond.

Playful Nature

Mijbil's joyful behavior in water demonstrated otter characteristics; he played vigorously in the bathtub, emphasizing otters' enjoyment of splashing around.
The otter displayed cleverness by learning to turn on the water tap with his paws, showcasing intelligence and curiosity.

Mijbil became increasingly social, following the narrator without a lead and responding to his calls.
Engaged in play with various toys, especially rubber balls and marbles, highlighting the playful and intelligent aspect of otters.

Transportation Challenges

Concerns arose about transporting Mijbil to England, specifically due to airline restrictions against flying animals.
The narrator arranged a flight itinerary through Paris to circumvent direct flight issues.

Stress of Travel

Mijbil's discomfort became evident when he was found blood-spattered due to attempting to escape from a confining box while waiting for the flight.
A harrowing rush to the airport displayed the urgency and stress of ensuring Mijbil’s safety and comfort during travel.

Airline Experience

The narrator showed appreciation for the air hostess who assisted during the flight, providing fish for Mijbil and understanding the situation.
The experience highlighted the challenges and emotional toll of traveling with a pet, particularly an otter.

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Description

This quiz explores the intriguing journey of a traveler to Southern Iraq in 1956 and the idea of keeping an otter as a pet. Discover the local wildlife and the cultural perspectives on taming animals like otters in the region. Engage with the historical context and personal reflections of this experience.