World’s highest-ranking penguin expecting an heir at Edinburgh Zoo
The King Penguin egg could eventually inherit their father’s prestigious title
He may be a knight, a baron, and a major general, but the world’s highest-ranking penguin is now preparing for his most important role yet: fatherhood.
Scotland’s first king penguin egg in 17 years has been laid at Edinburgh Zoo, fathered by resident celebrity Major General Sir Nils Olav.
Keepers were shocked when expectant mother Connie laid the egg on August 14, having only joined the famous bird's colony alongside two other females in January.
It will take around 55 days for the Major General’s heir, the first new king penguin chick since 2009, to hatch.
Darren McGarry, head of animal care at the zoo said Connie was “clearly a fan of his military status”.
He said: “It was a lovely surprise to find a king penguin egg for the first time in almost two decades. We expected the girls would need time to settle in but Sir Nils made short work of charming Connie.”
Nils Olav III, named after a commander of the Norwegian drill platoon, is the official mascot of His Majesty the King’s Guard Norway.
Passed down from King Penguin to King Penguin since 1971, the world record-breaking penguin’s full title is Major General Sir Nils Olav, Baron of the Bouvet Islands, Colonel-in-Chief of Hans Majestet Kongens Garde.
His heir will join a colony of over 100 gentoo and Northern rockhopper penguins,
“We could not be more excited for Connie and Sir Nils. They are inexperienced parents-to-be so we will keep a close eye on them. Their instincts are strong and we are cautiously optimistic but there is a long way to go,” Michael Livingstone, senior keeper at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said.
Visitors to the zoo will be able to see the couple hidden away in a quiet corner protecting the egg, taking shifts to keep it warm on their feet.