That only exists in Scotland: a king penguin has been promoted to general at Edinburgh Zoo – for the Norwegian army. More than 160 uniformed soldiers stood at attention as “Sir Nils Olav III.” had a Major General’s insignia pinned to his wing.
“His promotion in August for his good behavior and role model for the rest of Edinburgh Zoo’s penguins is a milestone in his career as the guard’s mascot,” Royal Norwegian Guard Sergeant Major Fredrik Gresseth said in a statement Monday.
tradition since 1972
The whimsical tradition dates back to 1972, when a king penguin was adopted by the group at the Scottish capital’s zoo and named after then-Norwegian King Olav and Major Nils Egelien, who organized the campaign. From then on, the band of the Norwegian Royal Guard regularly visited their mascot when they performed at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo musical spectacle. Each year, Norwegian soldiers also send fish and Christmas cards to the animal. This tradition is an important part of the troops’ history, Oberfeldwebel Gresseth said.
“Sir Nils Olav” has climbed a lot, the penguin has been promoted several times and was knighted in 2008. Now the official title of the ratite is Major General Sir Nils Olav III, Baron of the Isle of Bouvet and official mascot of His Majesty the King of the Norwegian Guard.
Source: Krone
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