What to know: London is packed with expensive tourist attractions, but one of the most delightful wildlife encounters in the capital costs absolutely nothing. St James’s Park, bordered by Buckingham Palace and Whitehall, has been home to a resident colony of Great White Pelicans for more than 350 years.
The pelican tradition began in 1664 during the reign of King Charles II, when a Russian Ambassador gifted the King a pair of the exotic birds. Charles II, who was fascinated by unusual wildlife, let them roam freely in his royal park, and the Crown has maintained the colony ever since. Today’s flock including famous park personalities named Gargi, Sun, Moon, and Tiffany often roam across the grass, sunning their massive nine-foot wingspans or waddling onto park benches to sit directly next to unsuspecting tourists.
Every single day between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM, the park wildlife keepers arrive near Duck Island Cottage carrying buckets of fresh, raw mackerel, whiting, and herring. Watching these gigantic birds catch fish in mid-air and swallow them whole into their massive throat pouches is a fascinating sight for children and adults alike. It is a charming, free natural spectacle situated right in the center of historic London.
Address: St James’s Park, London SW1A 2BJ (Near Duck Island Cottage)
Contact: +44 300 061 2350
