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First Pelican Chicks Hatch in St James's Park After 360 Years First Pelican Chicks Hatch in St James’s Park After 360 Years For the first time in over 360 years, pelican chicks have hatched in St James’s Park, London, marking a historic milestone since their arrival in 1664. 7 hour ago · 4 min read Share Historic Pelican Hatch in St James’s Park Pelicans have been a feature of St James’s Park since 1664, when the Russian ambassador presented King Charles II with a pair shortly before the Great Fire of London. Despite their long presence, these birds had never bred in the park—until now. On 17 May, the first of four pelican chicks hatched, marking the first successful breeding in over 360 years. All four chicks have survived their first month, much to the excitement of Royal Parks manager Mark Wasilewski. “This really is a first for us,” he said. “We’re gobsmacked.” Currently, six adult great white pelicans reside in the park: two males named Sun and Moon, and four females named Star, Isla, Tiffany, and Gargi. “Pelicans normally only breed when they’re in large groups of 10, 12 or more,” said Wasilewski. “We’ve always had between two and six – never a great number – and as the peli…

Historic first as pelican chicks hatch in St James's Park - ianVisits Historic first as pelican chicks hatch in St James’s Park Published on 19th June 2026 by Ian Mansfield in London News St James Park in central London is famous for its resident pelicans, but none have been born there — until now, that is. The four pelican chicks are about a month old and are currently being protected in a part of the park that is not accessible to visitors as they become established. They are expected to take to the water at around nine to 12 weeks old, to join the older pelicans. Until then, the chicks are highly vulnerable, and the Royal Parks is asking visitors to avoid disturbing them. (c) Royal Parks There are currently six Great White pelicans living in St. James’s Park: Isla, Tiffany and Gargi, along with more recent arrivals Sun, Moon and Star. However, this is the first time the park’s resident pelicans have successfully hatched chicks. The four chicks will be named in due course. The Royal Parks charity, which manages St. James’s Park , is working with Blackpool Zoo, Royal Veterinary College, ZSL and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, to provide care for the chicks. Pelicans have a long hist…

The King Who Gave London Its Pelicans — and Why They Never Left Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn There is a corner of central London where pelicans drift across a lake, completely ignoring the office workers eating lunch on the banks. It has been like this since 1664. Charles II had just been restored to the throne, and a Russian diplomat arrived at court with a gift the king had not anticipated: three white pelicans. Photo: Shutterstock They were placed in St James’s Park. And pelicans have lived there ever since. St James’s Park sits between Buckingham Palace and Whitehall. It is the oldest of London’s eight Royal Parks. It has been royal land since Henry VIII enclosed it in 1532. And yet most visitors to London walk through it on the way to Buckingham Palace without stopping to wonder what they are actually standing in. A Royal Park With an Unlikely History Henry VIII claimed St James’s Park in 1532 and drained the marshland to create hunting grounds. What is now a tranquil park full of ducks and geese was once used for deer hunting and archery. Tudor London was not subtle. James I added a menagerie. Camels, crocodiles, an elephant, and a collection of exo…

FYI—Pelican Chicks at St. James Park - Rick Steves Travel Forum The pelicans at St. James's Park were one of the highlights of my first trip to London in 2024, so I thought I'd share this bit of good news for anyone else who enjoys visiting them. For the first time in more than 360 years, pelican chicks have hatched in St. James's Park. Four chicks arrived late last month, marking a remarkable milestone for the park's historic pelican colony. The Royal Parks are working with Blackpool Zoo, ZSL, and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust to provide specialist care for the chicks. They are currently being protected in a secure area that is not accessible to visitors. The chicks have not yet been named and are expected to take to the water at around three months old, when they'll begin joining the adult pelicans. Until then, visitors are being asked to respect their space and avoid disturbing them. More information from The Royal Parks: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/st-jamess-park/pelicans-st-jamess-park A few of my pelican pics: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8CBMencJSvdXBuHr6

Historic Hatch: Pelicans Breed in St James's Park for First Time in 360 ... For the first time in over 360 years, pelican chicks have successfully hatched in London's St James's Park. This unexpected breeding marks a significant moment for the park's long-standing pelican population. In a remarkable turnaround for London's St James's Park, a pair of great white pelicans has successfully bred, marking the first time in over 360 years that these birds have reproduced within the park's walls. The achievement is all the more astonishing given that previous generations of pelicans never managed to raise their young despite being resident in the park since 1664. The four chicks emerged on 17 May, with all surviving their crucial first month – a feat that has left Mark Wasilewski, Royal Parks manager, stunned. The adult population comprises six great white pelicans: two males named Sun and Moon, and four females known as Star, Isla, Tiffany, and Gargi. Five eggs were laid across three nests, with eight-year-old Star and 30-year-old Gargi sharing incubation duties on one nest. The exact parentage of the chicks remains unclear, although it's confirmed one of the two males fathered them.…

Pelicans in St James' Park have chicks for first time… - inkl St James’ Park is celebrating a rare arrival, with four pelican chicks hatching for the first time in more than 360 years. Park manager Mark Wasilewski said he was “thrilled” by the pelican births, describing it as a “breakthrough” moment for the park. The new arrivals join the park’s six adult pelicans — Gargi, Tiffany, Isla, Sun, Moon and Star — bringing the total flock to ten. They are currently being held in a private area of the park while they gain their strength and are expected to join the adults when they are between nine and 12 weeks old. Pelicans first arrived at St James’s Park in 1664 as a diplomatic gift from theRussianAmbassador to KingCharles II. While the birds have been a familiar sight in the park since 1887, this is the first time they’ve successfully raised chicks there, according to the Royal Parks. “I can’t wait to watch their antics as they grow and join the wider flock and develop their own distinct characters,” Mr Wasileski said. “We have increased the feeding for the pelicans, so they have all the fish they need. “Right now, our focus is on giving these chicks the safest and best possi…

First pelicans in 360 years hatch in St James’s Park London. The pelicans were enclosed on Duck Island during the avian flu outbreak earlier this year. "So when you’re cooped on Duck Island with nothing to do for several weeks, we know now what they do,” www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Pelicans in St James' Park have chicks for first time in 360 years News | London Pelicans in St James' Park have chicks for first time in 360 years Park manager Mark Wasilewski said he was ‘thrilled’ by the pelican births, describing it as a ‘breakthrough’ moment for the park Megan Howe , News Reporter 2 minutes ago COMMENTS St James’ Park is celebrating a rare arrival, with four pelican chicks hatching for the first time in more than 360 years. Park manager Mark Wasilewski said he was “thrilled” by the pelican births, describing it as a “breakthrough” moment for the park. The new arrivals join the park’s six adult pelicans — Gargi, Tiffany, Isla, Sun, Moon and Star — bringing the total flock to ten. They are currently being held in a private area of the park while they gain their strength and are expected to join the adults when they are between nine and 12 weeks old. Pelicans first arrived at St James’s Park in 1664 as a diplomatic gift from the Russian Ambassador to King Charles II . A pair of Great White, or Eastern White pelicans with their four chicks in St James Park Getty While the birds have been a familiar sight in the park since 1887, this is the first time they’ve succ…

First pelicans in 360 years hatch in St James’s Park London <p>Birds have been in the park since the Russian ambassador gave King Charles II two in 1664 – but none ever bred there </p><p>They arrived in the royal park shortly before the Great Fire of London, when the Russian ambassador presented a pair to King Charles II as a gift.</p><p>But although pelicans have been living in St James’s Park since 1664, none ever learned the art of courtship until now – when the first time in more than 360 years, chicks have been born.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jun/19/pelicans-hatch-st-james-park-london">Continue reading...</a>

The pelicans of St. James's Park | The Royal Parks For over 350 years, pelicans have made St. James’s Park their home, becoming one of its most iconic sights. The pelicans are a unique and much-loved feature of St. James’s Park, delighting visitors from around the world. These sociable birds are often seen swimming, preening and basking in the sunshine on the lake. First introduced to the park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador, pelicans have been part of St. James’s Park for centuries. Over that time, more than 40 pelicans have called the park home. Today, residents include Isla, Tiffany and Gargi, along with more recent additions Sun, Moon and Star. The pelicans are free to roam but rarely stray far from the lake, where they can often be found resting on their favourite rocks in the middle of the water. Look out for them catching fish from the lake, swimming together or preening their feathers. Pelicans are outgoing, sociable creatures and can sometimes be spotted close to visitors, even sitting on park benches. One particularly mischievous pelican was once known to fly over to London Zoo in Regent’s Park to steal fish for lunch. For the first time in over 360 y…