Penguin at Edinburgh Zoo holds rank of Major General in Norway’s King’s Guard

Sir Nils Olav III, a penguin at Edinburgh Zoo, is the world’s highest-ranking penguin, holding the rank of Major General in Norway’s King’s Guard. In 1972, a penguin was adopted by the King’s Guard as their mascot and named Nils Olav after King Olav V. Three penguins have since carried the name. Sir Nils Olav III performs no military duties.