On March 3, 2021, the lives of Billy and Susan Mail took an extraordinary turn when a starving otter cub appeared at their doorstep in Shetland. The couple had just moved back to the area after facing the painful loss of both of Billy’s parents. When he first spotted the emaciated cub, whom he named Molly, cracking crabs near their home, it ignited a spark of joy that had been missing in their lives.
Billy, 57, initially encountered Molly while watching her dive off a nearby pontoon. Intrigued by her presence, he approached her closely. He quickly realized that this usually timid creature was not acting as expected—she sat beside him to eat her prey instead of fleeing. Concerned for her well-being, Billy suspected she was orphaned after a local female otter was found dead.
Upon receiving guidance from a wildlife sanctuary that permitted feeding Molly without domesticating her, the couple welcomed the cub into their family. Her arrival coincided with significant challenges in their lives, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing home renovations.
Molly became a “breath of fresh air” for both Billy and Susan. As they navigated personal grief and uncertainty during a tumultuous time, Molly provided an unexpected source of comfort and distraction.
Susan, 59, observed a notable change in Billy as he nurtured Molly back to health. The emotional connection they built left a profound impact on them both; however, Susan initially struggled with Molly’s playful antics. Despite her reservations about interacting with a wild animal, she learned to appreciate Molly’s gentle nature.
As word spread about their unusual friendship, filmmaker Charlie Hamilton-James approached the couple with an idea to document their story. Initially hesitant, Billy ultimately decided to embrace this opportunity.
Their documentary, Billy and Molly: An Otter Love Story, premiered at the South by Southwest festival in March and has since received accolades at both Bristol’s Wildscreen Festival and American Critics Choice Documentary Awards.
After months together, Billy recognized it was time to let Molly return to the wild. Though her visits became infrequent, he worried for her safety during Shetland’s harsh winters. To his delight, one snowy night revealed that she had returned—not alone—but with a cub of her own.
Molly’s journey emphasizes the importance of compassion and reconnecting with nature. As Billy reflected on their experience, he recognized how nurturing this little otter had reignited his love for wildlife.
As Billy and Molly: An Otter Love Story prepares for its streaming debut on Disney+ on November 14 and its airing on National Geographic on November 15, it serves as a poignant reminder of the bonds between humans and wildlife—bonds that can inspire hope and healing in our lives.
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