Four Pelican Chicks Hatch in St James’s Park for the First Time in 360 Years

Four pelican chicks have hatched in St James’s Park for the first time in the park’s history, marking a milestone for one of London’s most recognisable wildlife attractions.

The pelican chicks are around one month old and are currently being cared for in a protected area that is not accessible to visitors while they become established. The Royal Parks, which manages St James’s Park, is working with Blackpool Zoo, the Royal Veterinary College, ZSL and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust to provide expert support and care.

The young birds are expected to take to the water between nine and 12 weeks after hatching, when they will join the park’s older pelicans on the lake.

Pelicans have been part of St James’s Park since 1664, when the Russian Ambassador gifted the birds to King Charles II. More than 50 pelicans have lived in the park over the centuries, and there has been a permanent pelican presence since 1897.

Today, six Great White pelicans live in the park: Isla, Tiffany, Gargi, Sun, Moon and Star. The four new arrivals have not yet been named.

Mark Wasilewski, Park Manager at St James’s Park, said, “I am truly thrilled to welcome the four young chicks to St. James’s Park – it’s a real ‘beak-through’ moment in over 360 years of the park hosting pelicans”.

He added, “Right now, our focus is on giving these chicks the safest and best possible start in life, so that they can be nurtured by their parents and grow into strong, healthy adult birds”.

Visitors are being asked to keep their distance while the chicks remain vulnerable, and dogs must be kept on leads around the lake.

Nick Burnham, Senior Wildlife Officer at The Royal Parks, said, “We will continue to monitor the chicks closely and ensure their parents are well fed with roach, their favourite fish, to give these new arrivals the very best start in life”.

The Royal Parks says the chicks will continue to be closely monitored as they grow and prepare to join the wider flock in the months ahead.

Have you spotted the pelicans in St James’s Park? Let us know what wildlife moments you have encountered in London’s parks this year. Explore more London wildlife, nature and conservation stories at EyeOnLondon.

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