The Norwegian Army today bestowed military honours on a penguin.
King penguin Nils Olav has been promoted to the rank of Honourable Regimental Sergeant Major of Norway.
The medal was presented at a formal military ceremony at Edinburgh Zoo.
To mark the occasion, zoo keeper Mr Rob Thomas placed a silver badge on Nils Olav's right flipper.
The penguin has been sponsored by the Norwegian Army since 1972.
The Royal Norwegian Guard, in Scotland to participate in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, performed at the 10-minute ceremony.
To the sound of the guard's band, the bird held his head high as he was led out of the penguin pool.
Nils Egelien, now a retired Major, said that as a result of "extraordinary good" reports from the zoo, it would be promoted.
"I am here to promote you from Regimental Sergeant Major into the first Honourable Regimental Sergeant Major in the country," he told the penguin.
PA