Billy Mail Forms Unlikely Bond with Orphaned Otter Molly

In 2021, Billy Mail discovered a starving otter pup named Molly near his home in Shetland. Unlike typical otters, Molly displayed a lack of fear towards humans, which was attributed to her desperate situation. Mail’s attempts to get close to her led to an unexpected friendship, with Molly frequently visiting the Mail household even after her health improved. A documentary capturing this unique bond was filmed, showcasing their daily interactions. Wildlife filmmaker Charlie Hamilton James learned of the story and decided to document the heartwarming connection between Billy Mail and Molly. This documentary premiered at the South by Southwest festival in Texas and received accolades at the Wildscreen festival in Bristol. It is now nominated for several awards at the US Critics Choice documentary awards, reflecting the impact of Molly's story on audiences. The Mails, who moved to Shetland in 2018, were initially unsure about Molly’s presence. However, as time passed, both Billy and Susan grew fond of the otter, with Susan remarking that Molly's antics were endearing. Their experiences were not just entertaining but also transformative, as the otter brought joy and companionship into their lives. The film's emotional resonance was highlighted by Susan Mail, who found herself moved while viewing the final cut, indicating the deep connection that had formed not just between her and Molly but also reflecting the powerful theme of human-animal relationships in the documentary.