August 15, 2008
If the tux fits ...
Did you hear the one about the penguin who became a knight just like Sean, Paul and Elton?
No, really. True story.
Nils Olav (the third) was made an honorary colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King's Guard in 2005. Since then the 3-foot tall penguin has earned medals for good conduct and long service. On Aug. 15 the resident of the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland was knighted.
Nils (the first) became a member of the King's Guard in 1972 when lieutenant Nils Egelien chose him as a mascot. When No. 1 died, a second penguin replaced him and assumed his rank.
Nils Olav 3 was feted with speeches and fanfare and arrived at his knighting ceremony escorted by the King's Guard Color Detachment. He checked out the pressed and polished troops before being knighted by British Maj. Gen. Euan Loudon.
He is Nils Olav no longer. Now he only answers to "Sir."
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