Norway’s Army Has A Fkn Penguin Named Sir Nils Olav & He Just Got Promoted

Because the world secretly is a fucking beautiful place, we have this little morsel of joy for you all.

The Royal Norwegian Guard has paid a visit to the Edinburgh Zoo, in order to promote the nation’s most highly decorated penguin, who goes by the name of Sir Nils Olav III, to the rank of brigadier in a stirring official ceremony held overnight.
The rank is the fourth highest position in the hierarchy of Norway’s army and air force, and was bestowed upon the mighty bird as he inspected a line of 50 soldiers sent from His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard. Sir Nils now assumes the official title of Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III.

We are honoured to host the Royal Norwegian Guard this morning, who are here to bestow a unique honour upon our resident king penguin Sir Nils Olav. Already a knight, the most famous king penguin in the world is to be given the new title of “Brigadier Sir Nils Olav”.

The prestigious title is to be awarded during a special ceremony, attended by around 50 uniformed soldiers of His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard.

Find out more about Sir Nils on our website:
http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/animals-and-attractions/sir-nils-olav/

Posted by Edinburgh Zoo on Monday, 22 August 2016

Sir Nils Olav III serves as the official mascot of the King’s Royal Guard, and is the third penguin to assume that position. The first Nils Olav was adopted in 1972 by the unit by Lieutenant Nils Egelien, who named the penguin for then-King Olav V.

Since then, the guard has periodically visited Edinburgh Zoo every few years whilst in town for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, each time bestowing a new honour and rank onto Nils as a reward and recognition of his tireless efforts for the Norwegian military.
After starting as a mascot, Nils was promoted to Corporal in 1982, before attaining the rank of Sergeant in 1987, Regimental Sergeant Major in 1993, Honourable Regimental Sergeant Major in 2001, Colonel-in-Chief in 2005, before the current Nils Olav took over in 2008 and was honoured with an official knighthood.
Barbara Smith, the acting CEO of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, spoke of the ceremony with great reverence.

“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.”


Such a majestic, stately bird. So poised and awe inspiring. I hereby renounce all national citizenships and declare undying allegiance to Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III and his everlasting glory. Sic parvis magna.

Seriously though we can barely keep our shit together and yet Norway’s over the doing hella cute shit like knighting penguins on their days off? We have got to sort out our priorities quick sticks.
Source: Edinburgh Zoo.
Photo: Edinburgh Zoo/Facebook.

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