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The Toll Booth _ Strange or Weird News _ Knighthood for Norwegian penguin

Posted by: Pete Aug 15 2008, 05:02 PM

Penguin at Edinburgh Zoo may pick up Norwegian knighthood

The King of Norway's private guard is lining up in Edinburgh to bestow a special honour on its longest serving member - a penguin.

After a decades-long military career which has seen him rise to the rank of Colonel-in-Chief, Nils Olav has learnt to take promotion in his stride.

user posted image
Nils Olav, mascot of the King of Norway's private guard Photo: JAMES FRASER

But when he waddles out to inspect his troops at a special parade at the city's zoo he is expected to pick up a knighthood.

Members of the Norwegian King's Guard visit to the zoo to honour the distinguished bird every few years when they are in the city for the military tattoo.

The practice dates back to the early 1970s when a young lieutenant called Nils Egelien came up with the idea of having one of its king penguins as a regimental mascot and honorary member.

Over the years the bird has achieved repeated promotions and has been decorated for his long service.

But now the loyal penguin is in line to receive a title, with the personal approval of Norway's King Harald V.

Although guardsmen are remaining tight-lipped about what the latest gong will be, rumours of a knighthood are rife.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2563239/Penguin-at-Edinburgh-Zoo-may-pick-up-Norwegian-knighthood.html

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Edinburgh zoo penguin and Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian king's guard Nils Olav inspects his regiment in Edinburgh, where he was given a medal by the Norwegian king. Photographer: David Cheskin

Posted by: Whimsical Logic Aug 15 2008, 05:13 PM

Thanks Pete!
I have not heard about this before. I simply love it!!!

Whimsy

Posted by: Pete Aug 15 2008, 05:23 PM

That's OK. I will try and find some more info for you.

I love this kind of stuff as well.

Posted by: Pete Aug 15 2008, 05:31 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7563844.stm

Posted by: Whimsical Logic Aug 15 2008, 06:02 PM

He did it! Sir Nils Olav

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2564823/Penguin-picks-up-knighthood.html

edit: I see the video is now Editor's Choice! WOW

Whimsy

Posted by: Pete Aug 15 2008, 10:14 PM

A well earned honour indeed!!

And rewarded with some dead fish, no less.