During the current national outbreak of avian flu we are following instructions issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. St James’s Park’s six famous pelicans have been moved to an enclosure where they are safe and sound and being cared for, and we hope that they will be back out and about preening themselves by the lake, soon.
First introduced to the park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador, over 40 pelicans have since made the park home.
See much-loved current residents - Isla, Tiffany and Gargi - and our recent new additions - Sun, Moon and Star - basking on their favourite rocks and being fed fresh fish between 2:30pm and 3:00pm every day, next to Duck Island Cottage. (Please note that during the pandemic we are feeding them away from public view)
The pelicans are free to roam but rarely stray far from the lake. Look out for the pelicans catching fish from the lake and swimming and preening together.
Pelicans are outgoing, sociable creatures. One rather mischievous pelican used to fly over to London Zoo in The Regent's Park to steal fish for lunch and they will often sit on park benches next to visitors!
In 2015 Royal London became our official pelican partner, helping to keep the pelicans healthy and well fed. Thanks to the partnership, we can also provide new information in the park about the pelicans, as well as education materials and workshops for schools.
Pelican facts
- Pelicans have the second largest wingspan of all living birds (after the great albatrosses) ranging from 226cm to 360cm
- Adults have pure white plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs
- Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female
- Adult males weigh from 9 to 15kg. Females are considerably smaller and weigh from 5.4 to 9kg
Discover more...
 | PodcastThe Pelicans of St. James's Park 30th April 2020 |
| VideoFirst 'virtual' feeding of the pelicans 7th May 2020 |
