bbc.com
Billy and Molly: An Otter's Tale
A Shetland couple's heartwarming story of rescuing and befriending an orphaned otter cub.
English
United Kingdom
EntertainmentLifestyleFamilyNatureAnimal RescueWildlife DocumentaryHuman-Animal Bond
National Geographic
Billy MailSusan MailCharlie Hamilton-James
- Describe Susan's initial relationship with Molly.
- Susan initially had a rocky relationship with Molly, who would get into things, but she eventually learned to coexist with the otter and even helped create a special habitat for her.
- How did Billy and Susan Mail first encounter Molly?
- Billy Mail, a Shetland resident, found an emaciated otter cub near his home in March 2021. He named her Molly and, with his wife Susan's approval, began caring for her, even though they knew she was a wild animal.
- How did Billy and Molly's story become a documentary?
- Their unusual story caught the attention of filmmaker Charlie Hamilton-James, leading to the creation of an award-winning documentary, "Billy and Molly: An Otter Love Story."
- What was the eventual outcome of Billy and Susan's care for Molly?
- After months of care, Billy eventually stopped feeding Molly to encourage her to fend for herself. She disappeared for a time, but later returned pregnant and continues to visit the Mail family.
- What personal challenges were Billy and Susan facing when Molly arrived?
- Molly's arrival was a welcome distraction for Billy and Susan, who had recently experienced the deaths of Billy's parents and were dealing with the stresses of building a home extension during the pandemic.