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

Published June 19, 2026 · Category: News

Overview

Birds have been in the park since the Russian ambassador gave King Charles II two in 1664 – but none ever bred there

They arrived in the royal park shortly before the Great Fire of London, when the Russian ambassador presented a pair to King Charles II as a gift.

Details

But although pelicans have been living in St James’s Park since 1664, none ever learned the art of courtship until now – when the first time in more than 360 years, chicks have been born.

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Source

Originally published at www.theguardian.com.

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