Mijbil The Otter Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6 CBSE Notes (2025-26)

“Mijbil the Otter” recounts Gavin Maxwell’s heartfelt story about his unusual pet otter, offering students both a touching narrative and practical observations about pet care and compassion for animals. 

The chapter begins with Gavin’s sadness after the loss of his dog, Jonnie, and his decision to fill the loneliness by getting another pet. Instead of another dog, Gavin chooses an otter after hearing from his friend that otters are found in abundance in Iraq’s Tigris marshes, and are often tamed by the Arabs. This sets the stage for the diverse themes explored in the chapter, from cross-cultural experience to the special bond between humans and animals.

Choosing and Adopting a Pet The chapter begins by emphasising that owning a pet is a serious and long-term responsibility, echoing advice from the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). 

It is essential that all family members agree before adopting a pet, as pets depend on their owners for proper care. Prior reading and understanding the pet’s needs is recommended. 

Basic responsibilities include annual vaccination, feeding a balanced diet, grooming, toilet and obedience training, regular exercise, affection, playtime, and effective socialisation rather than restricting pets in cages or by tying them up.

Maxwell’s Decision and the Arrival of Mijbil

After the idea of keeping an otter comes to Maxwell's mind, he travels to Southern Iraq in 1956. There, in Basra, after delays caused by difficulties in communication, Maxwell finally receives his mail—and with it, an otter from his friend. 

The otter is presented to him in a sack, and with its arrival, a new and memorable phase of his life begins. The animal appears almost dragon-like at first, caked in mud and squirming around, but underneath is a creature with smooth, chocolate-brown fur that eventually emerges after several cleanings. 

Maxwell names the otter “Mijbil,” and later, scientists christen the species Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli, or “Maxwell’s otter,” as it was a previously unknown race to science.

Mijbil’s Personality and Playfulness Initially, Mijbil is neither hostile nor friendly but stays distant (aloof and indifferent), sleeping far from Maxwell. Over time, however, he warms up, showing curiosity and affection. 

He begins to demonstrate intelligence and a playful nature, following Maxwell without a leash and responding to his name. Mijbil loves water—bathing becomes pure joy for him. He is quick to learn, even managing to turn on bathroom taps to play with the running water. 

Mijbil uses various objects, like rubber balls and marbles, to amuse himself for hours. His favorite pastime is lying on his back, juggling marbles up and down his belly without dropping them—showing remarkable coordination and intelligence.

Mijbil’s Journey to London When the time comes to move to England, Maxwell encounters many challenges transporting Mijbil, as airlines have strict rules about carrying pets. Mijbil is placed in a special box, but tries furiously to escape, causing injuries to himself. 

During the plane journey, Mijbil escapes and causes a commotion, with people mistaking him for a rat. Eventually, a kind air hostess helps Maxwell and the otter is safely reunited with him.

Settling into London In London, Mijbil adapts to his new environment and continues to surprise Maxwell with his creativity and adaptability. He invents games using a ping-pong ball and a slanted suitcase, displaying ingenuity and the ability to entertain himself independently. 

On daily walks, Mijbil forms his own compulsive habits, such as running along a particular wall near a primary school and distracting the students within. These habits are likened to children’s superstitious rituals, such as stepping only on certain paving blocks or touching specific railings.

Public Reactions and the Mustelline Family Maxwell notes that the people of London are unfamiliar with otters, resulting in a variety of amusing guesses when they see Mijbil—ranging from a baby seal and a beaver to a leopard and a ‘brontosaur’. This leads to interesting conversations about animal families, with Maxwell explaining that otters belong to the Mustelline group alongside animals like badgers, mongooses, weasels, stoats, and minks.

Intelligence and Emotional Connection Throughout the chapter, Mijbil proves to be an intelligent, affectionate, and fun-loving companion. Maxwell provides examples of Mijbil’s ability to recognize him, invent games, and seek affection—nuzzling Maxwell during stressful moments, such as after the chaotic flight experience. 

The narrative encourages empathy and understanding for animals’ needs, showing that with patience and thoughtfulness, even wild animals can adjust and thrive in new environments—given proper care, love, and stimulation.

Practical Lessons on Animal Care and Ethics The chapter is interspersed with broader lessons drawn from Gavin’s experiences and guided activities for students. These include making checklists for adopting a pet, considering the special requirements for exotic animals, and researching changing regulations about importing and exporting animals. 

The ethical aspects of keeping wild animals as pets are also addressed, encouraging students to think critically about animal welfare, domestication versus natural habitat, and the importance of responsible ownership.

Grammar and Language Skills Additional exercises in the chapter highlight important language usage, such as describing repeated actions in the past with “would” and “used to,” using noun modifiers, quantifier phrases, and understanding metaphors. The chapter also includes vocabulary notes and comprehension questions to reinforce learning.

Summary Table: Key Points from “Mijbil the Otter”

Conclusion: Why This Chapter Matters

“Mijbil the Otter” is significant not only for its engaging storytelling but also for its lessons about kindness to animals, adaptation, and cultural awareness. The additional exercises and vocabulary enrich students’ command of English, while reflection activities guide them towards becoming thoughtful and responsible individuals. Reading this chapter gives an insight into the complexities of animal care, the joy of companionship, and the special bond that can exist between humans and pets.

Class 10 English Chapter 6 Notes – Mijbil the Otter: CBSE Quick Revision

These Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 6 notes cover every important detail from “Mijbil the Otter.” With easy summaries and key points, students get a better understanding of Mijbil the Otter and its main messages. These revision notes are ideal for CBSE board exam preparation and classroom discussions.

Make your revision effective with clearly structured chapter notes. You’ll quickly locate important facts about Maxwell’s experience, themes, and lessons from the story. Use these concise notes to improve your answer-writing and boost your confidence in English exams.