For the first time in more than 360 years, pelican chicks have been born in London's St James's Park. The first of four chicks hatched on 17 May, and all have now survived their first month, much to the delight of park staff.
Historic Event
Pelicans have lived in the royal park since 1664, when the Russian ambassador presented a pair to King Charles II as a gift. Despite this long history, none had ever bred until now. Mark Wasilewski, manager of The Royal Parks, described the event as a first for the park. 'We're gobsmacked,' he said.
The Pelican Population
There are six adult great white pelicans in the park: two males named Sun and Moon, and four females named Star, Isla, Tiffany, and Gargi. Five eggs were laid in three nests. Eight-year-old Star and 30-year-old Gargi, described as an 'elderly female pelican,' shared sitting on one nest. Wasilewski noted that one of the two males likely impregnated one of the females, but it is unclear which female laid the eggs or which male is the father.
Gargi has been a permanent resident since she was found in a garden in Southend in 1996. She has occasionally been spotted flying to London Zoo in Regent's Park to steal fish.
Expert Care and Growth
Wasilewski is collaborating with Blackpool Zoo, the Royal Veterinary College, the Zoological Society of London, and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust to provide expert care for the chicks. The chicks have a ferocious appetite, which is considered good news. They are described as 'ever so ugly,' resembling little dinosaurs with black, featherless bodies and pointed bills. They are beginning to grow 'nice furry chestnut-brown down' but will not get feathers until they are eight or nine weeks old.
The chicks are now starting to waddle around the nest but remain vulnerable until they take to the water with their parents at about 12 weeks old. Visitors have been urged to give them space and avoid disturbing them.
Rapid Development
The chicks are growing at an enormous rate. In week one, they were the size of a pigeon; by week two, they were the size of a very small duck. The eldest chick is now estimated to be about two feet tall. Wasilewski expressed joy at the hatching of the first egg, saying, 'Our wildest dreams were fulfilled. It's absolutely delightful... with the world as it is, to see something like this. It's nature at its best.'
Background
The pelicans were enclosed on Duck Island during the avian flu outbreak earlier this year and were released on 9 April. On 13 April, staff discovered they were making a nest. Wasilewski joked, 'So when you're cooped on Duck Island with nothing to do for several weeks, we know now what they do. There was no television to watch.'
