NILS THE PENGUIN!
A new honour has been bestowed upon Edinburgh Zoo’s most famous resident – arise, Sir Nils!
Photography: Alan R
Thomson, The Royal
Zoological Society of
Scotland Edinburgh Zoo is famous for its King Penguins and Nils Olav is the most famous of them all.
The story begins in 1972, when Nils Egelien, a young lieutenant from the Norwegian King’s Guard, visited the zoo and arranged for his unit to adopt a penguin. It was named Nils Olav (to honour both the lieutenant and the then king of Norway, Olav) and awarded the rank of lance corporal. Over the years Nils has received many accolades for long service and good conduct, and been promoted to corporal, then sergeant, honourable regimental sergeant major and honorary colonel-in-chief.
And now our feathered friend goes by the name of Sir Nils Olav! He was knighted in front of members of the King’s Guard, who visit Nils every few years when they perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The extraordinary ceremony, held in August, included a citation from the current king of Norway, Harald V, which described Nils as being “in every way qualified to receive the honour and dignity of knighthood”.
Talk about a “happy feat”!
To visit Sir Nils and all of the other King Penguins at Edinburgh Zoo, visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Getting there
bmibaby flies to Edinburgh from Birmingham, Cardiff and East Midlands from just £18.99 one-way, inc taxes. For more information and flight details, log on to www.bmibaby.com
