First pelican chicks hatch in London's St James's Park in over 360 years

For the first time since 1664, pelican chicks have hatched in St James's Park, London. Four chicks have now survived their first month, delighting Royal Parks staff who never expected the birds to breed in such small numbers.

Pelicans have lived in the park since the Russian ambassador gifted a pair to King Charles II. The colony normally needs 10 to 12 birds to breed, but the current six adults have defied expectations.

Eight-year-old Star and 30-year-old Gargi shared nesting duties, with one nest producing the four chicks. Gargi has been a park resident since she was found in a Southend garden in 1996.

The chicks are growing rapidly, transforming from pigeon-sized hatchlings to two-foot-tall youngsters covered in chestnut-brown down. Staff say they have "ferocious appetites" and are beginning to waddle around their nest.

"With the world as it is, to see something like this — it's nature at its best," said Royal Parks manager Mark Wasilewski. The chicks will take to the water with their parents at around 12 weeks old.