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First pelicans in 360 years hatch in St James’s Park London
Birds have been in the park since the Russian ambassador gave King Charles II two in 1664 – but none ever bred there
TL;DR
- Pelican chicks have hatched in St James's Park for the first time in over 360 years.
- The first of four chicks hatched on May 17th and have all survived their first month.
- Great white pelicans were first introduced to the park in 1664 as a gift to King Charles II.
- Pelicans usually breed in groups of 10 or more, and the park has never had a large number, making breeding rare.
- Two adult females, Star and Gargi, shared a nest, but the specific parents of the hatched chicks are unknown.
- The chicks are growing rapidly and are currently featherless, resembling dinosaurs, but are expected to develop down and feathers soon.
- Visitors are urged to give the chicks space as they are vulnerable until they are around 12 weeks old and take to the water.