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St James's Park pelicans hatch first chicks

Pitter patter of pelican chicks in St James’s Park for first time

The manager of St James's Park in central London says he is "truly thrilled" after four pelican chicks were born there.

Pelicans were first introduced to the park in 1664 and have had a permanent presence there since 1897. However, this is the first time any resident pelicans have successfully hatched chicks, according to the Royal Parks.

The month-old chicks are currently living in a private area of the park while they gain strength and are expected to join the six adult great white pelicans at the park's lake when they are nine to twelve weeks old.

Park manager Mark Wasilewski said the chicks' arrival was a "breakthrough" moment in more than 360 years of the site hosting pelicans.

Emma Rigby / Sharon Donovan A great white pelican with its wing round a brown pelican chick Emma Rigby / Sharon Donovan
The arrival of the chicks has been described as a "breakthrough"

He said: "I can't wait to watch their antics as they grow and join the wider flock and develop their own distinct characters."

Wasilewski added: "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 possible start in life, so that they can be nurtured by their parents and grow into strong, healthy adult birds."

He urged visitors to the park not to approach the chicks, to keep dogs on leads around the lake, and to avoid causing the baby pelicans any distress while they establish.

The Royal Parks charity, which manages St James's Park, said it was working closely with wildlife organisations such as Blackpool Zoo, the Royal Veterinary College and the Zoological Society of London to provide expert care for the chicks.

The birds have not yet been named.

Emma Rigby / Sharon Donovan Two pelican chicks sitting side by side in a woody area. They are fluffy, brown and have black beaks.Emma Rigby / Sharon Donovan
The chicks are being looked after in a private area of the park for now
Emma Rigby / Sharon Donovan An egg, and a newly born, featherless pelican chick sitting next to itEmma Rigby / Sharon Donovan
The chicks will move to the lake when they are aged between nine and twelve weeks

Nick Burnham, senior wildlife officer at the Royal Parks, said their arrival was a "career highlight" for him.

"It has been wonderfully exciting to watch them hatch and begin to find their (webbed) feet.

"We will continue to monitor the chicks closely and ensure their parents are well fed... Pelicans are used to living in large flocks, so we think the new arrivals will settle in well."

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