First pelicans in 360 years hatch in St James’s Park London

## Introduction For over three and a half centuries, the pelicans of St James’s Park in London have been a symbol of royal gift-giving and historical continuity, yet none had ever successfully bred—until now. In May 2026, four chicks hatched from eggs laid in three nests, marking the first successful breeding of pelicans in the park since their introduction in 1664. Described by park manager Mark Wasilewski as a ‘dream fulfilled,’ this rare event is not merely a historical footnote but a testament to conservation efforts and the adaptability of wildlife in urban environments. Against a backdrop of global challenges, the survival of these chicks offers a rare glimmer of hope for biodiversity in densely populated settings.

## The legacy of pelicans in St James’s Park Pelicans were gifted to King Charles II in 1664 by the Russian ambassador, becoming a permanent fixture in the royal park. Despite their presence for over 360 years, breeding had never occurred—a mystery attributed to the species’ preference for larger social groups of 10 or more individuals. With only six adult pelicans (two males named Sun and Moon, and four females including Star and Gargi), the park’s team faced an uphill battle. Yet, against the odds, four chicks emerged, proving that nature can defy expectations even in constrained habitats.

## Breeding breakthrough: overcoming biological barriers The breakthrough came when two females, eight-year-old Star and 30-year-old Gargi, shared a nest and laid eggs. While the fathering male remains unidentified, genetic testing confirmed paternity. The chicks, born nearly featherless and black, began life as ‘tiny dinosaurs’ according to Wasilewski. Their rapid growth—from pigeon-sized at week one to small duck-sized by week two—defied expectations, with the eldest now standing nearly two feet tall. This success challenges long-held beliefs about pelican breeding behavior in small groups.

## Expert care and conservation partnerships The survival of the chicks owes much to a collaborative effort between St James’s Park, Blackpool Zoo, the Royal Veterinary College, the Zoological Society of London, and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. Continuous monitoring, specialized feeding, and safe nesting environments were critical in their first month. The chicks’ voracious appetites and vulnerability in their early weeks underscored the importance of expert intervention. With downy chestnut-brown feathers beginning to emerge, they are on track to develop full plumage by weeks eight or nine, though they remain flightless until around 12 weeks old.

## Urban wildlife conservation: a beacon of hope The hatching has drawn public attention, with visitors urged to maintain distance to protect the vulnerable chicks. Beyond the local excitement, the event symbolizes the potential for urban green spaces to support endangered species. In an era of biodiversity loss, St James’s Park’s success offers a model for integrating wildlife conservation into city planning. As the chicks grow, their story serves as a reminder of nature’s resilience—and humanity’s role in safeguarding it.