Four pelican chicks hatch in St James’s Park for first time in 360 years

Four pelican chicks have hatched in St James’s Park, London, for the first time in 360 years. Born one month ago, the chicks are being protected in a restricted area while they grow stronger.

The chicks are about two feet tall and currently look more dinosaur-like than fluffy. They will start swimming at nine to 12 weeks old and then join the park’s existing pelican flock.

Park manager Mark Wasilewski called it a “beak-through moment” in the park’s 360-year history of hosting pelicans. He said he’s excited to watch the chicks develop their own characters.

Pelicans have lived in St James’s Park since 1664, when the first birds were gifted to King Charles II. The Royal Parks charity is caring for the new chicks with support from Blackpool Zoo, the Royal Veterinary College, ZSL, and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Visitors are asked to keep dogs on leads and respect the chicks’ space while they remain vulnerable.