Nils Olav

55°56′40″N 3°16′20″W / 55.94444°N 3.27222°W / 55.94444; -3.27222

Nils Olav
Nils Olav II in 2008
SpeciesKing penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
SexMale
HatchedEdinburgh, Scotland
TitleMajor General Sir Nils Olav III, Baron of the Bouvet Islands
ResidenceEdinburgh Zoo
Named afterNils Egelien and Olav Siggerud
Military career
Allegiance Norway
Branch Norwegian Army
Years of service
  • 1972–1987 (first)
  • 1987 – after 2008 (second)
  • before 2016 – present (third)
Rank Major General
UnitHans Majestet Kongens Garde (Major-General and military mascot)

Major General Sir Nils Olav III, Baron of the Bouvet Islands (Norwegian: [ˌnɪls ˈôːlɑv]) is a king penguin who resides in Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland. He is the mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King's Guard. The name 'Nils Olav' and associated ranks have been passed down through three king penguins since 1972, the current holder being Nils Olav III.