WATCH: (Scroll Down For Video) King penguin Sir Nils Olav was promoted to the rank of Brigadier by the King of Norway’s Guard, who paid him a visit for a special ceremony at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland.
The penguin wore a gold military pin as he walked his way up the zoo’s penguin walk, as the guards stood to attention.
Barbara Smith, from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: ‘We are honoured to host His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard as they bestow a prestigious new title upon our king penguin, Sir Nils Olav.
‘It is a very proud moment and represents the close collaboration between our two countries, Scotland and Norway.’
At least 50 soldiers were in attendance to watch the penguin get rewarded for his years of service.
The Guardsmen were visiting Scotland as they partake in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo later this month.
Brigadier David Allfrey, Producer and Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, added: ‘This is just a simply fantastic example of the great relations between our two countries, and it couldn’t be a more charming tradition.
‘At the Tattoo we of course have many inspecting officers but this is by far my favourite. Congratulations, Brigadier Olav!’
Nils Olav was named after the Guard’s lieutenant in the Guard, named Nils Egelin, when he was adopted in 1972.
His last name came from Norway’s king at the time, Olav V.
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