Pelican Chicks Hatch at St James’s Park for First Time
A Historic First for St James’s Park
For the first time in the 360-year history of pelicans at St James’s Park, chicks have hatched — and local wildlife fans are thrilled. The park’s six resident Great White pelicans, Isla, Tiffany, Gargi, Sun, Moon and Star, began showing signs of nesting behaviour back in spring, arriving for feedings in small groups and tucking into extra fish. Staff soon discovered three nests tucked away from the public path, and now four downy grey chicks — not yet named — have emerged. It’s a milestone moment for one of central London’s most beloved green spaces, which sits just a short stroll from Whitehall London and within view of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. Long a favourite lunchtime escape for office workers and tourists alike, the park’s pelicans have been a quirky, photogenic fixture since the days of Charles II, when the birds were first gifted to the Crown. This new generation adds a fresh chapter to that royal tradition, giving residents and visitors alike a reason to slow down and watch nature unfold in the heart of the city.
Who’s Behind the Care — And What It Means for the Park
Park manager Mark Wasilewski, who oversees the pelicans’ daily care, didn’t hold back his excitement, calling the hatching a ‘beak-through’ moment after more than three centuries of pelican residency. His team has already increased fish deliveries to ensure the growing family — six adults plus four hungry chicks — has plenty to eat. Right now, the chicks are just a month old and being kept in a protected, off-limits nesting area away from the footpaths that loop around the lake. That’s a deliberate move by park staff and The Royal Parks charity, which manages St James’s Park, to give the vulnerable young birds the best chance of survival before they’re ready for public life. In roughly two to three months, once they reach nine to twelve weeks old, the chicks will be introduced to the wider flock and take their place among the park’s most photographed residents. For local birdwatching groups and school trips that regularly visit the park, this is a rare chance to witness a genuine wildlife milestone unfolding practically on Whitehall’s doorstep.
What Residents and Visitors Should Do Next
If you’re planning a walk through St James’s Park in the coming weeks, park officials are asking everyone to respect the chicks’ need for space. Avoid approaching the nesting area, keep noise down near the lake, and make sure dogs stay on leads along the lakeside path — a rule that’s especially important while the chicks are still flightless and easily startled. This is shaping up to be one of the more heartwarming additions to London’s list of things to do this season. Combine a visit with nearby stops like a London museum, a London exhibition, or a walk past Big Ben and Whitehall for a full day exploring some of the capital’s best-loved sights. For those wondering where to go in London this month, St James’s Park now offers something genuinely rare: a front-row seat to a wildlife first. Keep an eye on Royal Parks’ social channels for updates on naming the chicks and details of when they’ll officially join the main flock — it’s expected to become one of the more talked-about local attractions this autumn.
Source: More Beaks To Feed! Pelican Chicks Born At St James’s Park For The First Time
