King penguin Nils Olav has been the official mascot and an honorary member of Norway's Royal Guard since 1972. On August 15, 2008, Nils Olav was knighted before 130 members of the Norwegian Royal Guard during an official ceremony at the Edinburgh Zoo.BBC News: Military penguin becomes a 'Sir' (August 15, 2008)
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"Nils always recognises the Norwegian Guardsmen when they come to visit him. They came in recently and he immediately walked towards the gate. He loves the attention he receives at the ceremony and even takes time to inspect the troops."—Darren McGarry, Edinburgh Zoo animal collection managerSKY News: Norway Grants King Penguin A 'Sir' (August 15, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Olav resides at the Edinburgh Zoo
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Fact:
Olav was six years old when he was knighted
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2001
Nils Olav was made honourable regimental sergeant majorBBC News: Penguin picks up military honour (August 17, 2007)
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2005
Olav was promoted to honorary Colonel in Chief of the Norwegian Royal GuardNorway.org.uk: Nils Olav promoted to Colonel in Chief (August 17, 2008)
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Fact:
A bronze statue of the penguin was made for the Norwegian King in 2001BBC News: Penguin picks up military honour (August 17, 2007)
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Named in 1972 after Guard Nils Egelien and Norway’s then King OlavEdinburgh Zoo: Nils Olav News and Information
