Zoo Penguin Becomes Norwegian Knight

Last week, a penguin at Edinburgh Zoo was knighted in a formal ceremony by members of the Norwegian King’s Guard.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on August 17 2008

With their black-and-white tuxedo-esque coloring, penguins can look quite distinguished. But last week, Nils Olav, a penguin living in Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo, was given an honor that could score him invites to all of Europe’s black-tie affairs: He was knighted in a formal ceremony by members of the Norwegian King’s Guard.

Nils’ predecessor, also named Nils, has been the group’s mascot since 1972, and the younger penguin was named Colonel-in-Chief several years ago. Norwegian troops often stopped in to see the penguin, so Norway’s king, Harald the Fifth, thought it only fitting that Nils should receive a promotion to knight, complete with a ceremony featuring 130 guardsmen. The king’s citation described the penguin’s honors, stating that he was “in every way qualified to receive the honour and dignity of knighthood.”

Nils seemed to enjoy the spectacle, taking time to waddle the grounds and greet his fellow Norwegian troops. And while he’s now among the lofty ranks of “Sirs” like Ian McKellan and Elton John, it seems like his feet will remain firmly planted on the ground.

“It went extremely well and we are delighted that the Norwegian Guard honoured Nils Olav with a knighthood,” the zoo’s animal collection manager, Darren McGarry, told BBC News. “We all enjoyed the occasion and Nils was a perfect penguin throughout.”

Filed under: Animals and Pets, Weird,

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