Pelican chicks hatch in St James’s Park after 360 years
For the first time since 1664, pelican chicks have hatched in St James’s Park, London. The chicks were born to a group of six adult pelicans confined on Duck Island during an avian flu outbreak earlier this year.
Pelicans have been present in St James’s Park, London, since 1664, when a pair was presented to King Charles II by the Russian ambassador. For the first time in over 360 years, pelican chicks have hatched in the park. According to theukpulse.co.uk, the first of four chicks hatched on 17 May, and all four have survived their first month. Six adult great white pelicans reside in the park: two males named Sun and Moon, and four females named Star, Isla, Tiffany, and Gargi. Theukpulse.co.uk reported that pelicans typically breed only in groups of 10 or more, but this did not occur here. Pelicans were confined on Duck Island during the avian flu outbreak earlier this year. Royal Parks manager Mark Wasilewski expressed surprise at the breeding event, calling it 'a first for us.'
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