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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Donna Ferguson

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

Two adult white pelicans with large beaks stand over four dark-colored chicks in a nest
‘This is a first for us’: the adults and four chicks. Photograph: The Royal Parks/PA

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.

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

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