Published:
Iain Valentine, Senior Policy Advisor at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, brought along a couple of unusual supporters when he was awarded an honorary degree at Heriot-Watt.
Dr Valentine, who is also Director of the Giant Panda Programme at the Edinburgh-based zoo, was awarded a Doctorate of Science in recognition of his distinguished career and influential leadership in the field of zoology, including exceptional contributions to animal welfare, conservation, education and public engagement.
His dedication to public engagement on conservation was underlined when he was joined on the stage at the University's Edinburgh Campus by two armadillos, who helped him demonstrate serious points about his work in animal welfare and conservation education.
They later went on to meet some of the guests at the graduation ceremony, and were impeccably behaved throughout.