World's highest-ranking penguin to become a dad after partner lays egg at Edinburgh Zoo

The world’s highest-ranking penguin is set to welcome a new heir after his partner laid Scotland’s first king penguin egg in 17 years.

Major General Sir Nils Olav is set to become a dad after pairing up with Edinburgh Zoo newcomer Connie.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said it wasn’t expecting the penguins, who arrived in January, to begin laying eggs until 2027, but the arrival of a new king penguin egg has delighted keepers.

Sir Nils is the mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King’s Guard, a title that has been held by three king penguins residing at Edinburgh Zoo since 1972.

Sir Nils is set to become a father RZSSS

The tradition began when a lieutenant named Nils Egelien took an interest in the zoo’s penguin colony during the Norwegian King’s Guard’s military tattoo in 1961.

Upon their return 11 years later, the regiment adopted a penguin to be a lance corporal. The three Nils Olavs have soared through the ranks, resulting in a knighthood approved by King Harald V.

Sir Nils was promoted to major general in 2023.

The high-ranking penguin will now keep careful watch over the egg, which will take around 55 days to hatch. Sir Nils and Connie will take it in turns to keep the egg warm with their feet.

Darren McGarry, head of animal care at RZSS, believes Sir Nils’ military prowess may have had a part to play in the happy news.

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. She clearly is a fan of his military status.”

Michael Livingstone, senior keeper at RZSS, added: “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.”