Pelicans in St James's Park

Pelican on Pelican Rock in St James' s Park LakeWhen you first spot these magnificent birds in St James's Park, it's natural to do a double take, but pelicans have graced St James's Park lake since 1664 and thrived there ever since.

Originally given as a gift from the Russian Ambassador to King Charles II in 1664, the pelicans still delight visitors from all over the world as they gather on Pelican Rock in St James's Park lake. Since then, over 40 pelicans have made London their home. Much loved current residents, Louis, Vaclav and Gargi, have been enjoying the Park for many years, but as this existing colony grows older, new pelicans are vital to maintain the heritage of having pelicans in the Park.

This year, thanks to a unique collaboration with The Royal Parks, Prague Zoo and The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, plus free time and expertise given from vet Nic Masters and a wildlife transport specialist, Matthew Ford, three new Great White pelicans have joined the three current residents to make St James's Park their new home.

Pelicans in the Park

In the wild, pelicans live in colonies and are gregarious animals who fish and roost together. Their natural habitat is large shallow lakes so St James’s Park lake provides an ideal environment.

Free to roam in St James's Park, the pelicans rarely stray far from the lake and enjoy safe havens on Duck Island away from the public and any predators. As well as snacking on fish in the lake, the wildlife officer feeds them fish every day and ensures they are in good health. Find out more about pelicans and their life and history in St James’s Park.

Three new arrrivals in 2013

Three pelicans by the waterThis year, as a gift from the City of Prague, three new pelicans join current residents, Gargi, Vaclav and Louis. Carefully transported from Prague by road, they have enjoyed a pampered introduction to life in St James’s Park, spending over two months in a specially fitted out enclosure where an experienced and skilled team monitored their progress as they acclimatised to their new surroundings.

In late March, they were released into the Park and with their large wingspan and enormous bills, they will certainly catch your eye as you take a stroll through this urban parkland in the heart of London.

Watch a video

You named a pelican!

From 1897 to 2012, there have been over 40 pelicans in St James’s Park. Each one named and special, adding to the legacy of this tradition in the Royal Parks. Current residents include, Gargi, Vaclav, Louis, and now the three newest additions from Prague. One will be called Tiffany, after the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, one will be named later this year, and 'Isla' was been voted by you! Find out how the voting went... and why Isla was chosen!

Pelican Partners

With pelicans living in St James's Park for over 300 years, this colony of amazing birds truly are the stars of the Park, delighting millions each year, free of charge, and inspiring an interest in conservation. As the existing colony has grown older, we wanted to ensure their legacy continues, and this has only been possible thanks to the support of our Pelican Partners