Sir Nils Olav III is a king penguin, one of a kind of large penguin bird that feeds on fish. Edinburgh zoo has been caring for and conducting research about the breed since the early 1900s. Sir Nils Olav III have a most important role, acting as a mascot to His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard. And looking III means it’s the third generation.
Around 50 members of the Royal Guard visited the Edinburgh zoo and promoted the water bird to the rank of brigadier. The military distinction is a way for the two countries to celebrate the bond they have forged through care of the species, the press release said. The army visits Sir Nils Olav when it is in town every few years to perform in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a military band performance held in the town.“This is just a simply fantastic example of the great relations between our two countries, and it couldn’t be a more charming tradition,” Brigadier David Allfrey, the head of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said in the release.
Source: taggit