St James's Park pelicans hatch chicks for first time

The manager of St James's Park in central London says he is "truly thrilled" after four pelican chicks were born there. Pelicans were first introduced to the park in 1664 and have had a permanent presence there since 1897. However, this is the first time any resident pelicans have successfully hatched chicks, according to the Royal Parks. The month-old chicks are currently living in a private area of the park while they gain strength and are expected to join the six adult great white pelicans at the park's lake when they are nine to twelve weeks old. Park manager Mark Wasilewski said the chicks' arrival was a "breakthrough" moment in more than 360 years of the site hosting pelicans. He said: "I can't wait to watch their antics as they grow and join the wider flock and develop their own distinct characters." Wasilewski added: "We have increased the feeding for the pelicans, so they have all the fish they need. "Right now, our focus is on giving these chicks the safest and best possible start in life, so that they can be nurtured by their parents and grow into strong, healthy adult birds." He urged visitors to the park not to approach the chicks, to keep dogs on leads around the lake