Soccer3h ago
PETA Urges Crystal Palace to Retire Live Eagle Mascot
Animal rights group presses the club to stop using Phoenix and avoid live birds at matches going forward.
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Formal Request Sent to Leadership
PETA has contacted Crystal Palace chief executive Sharon Lacey to demand the immediate retirement of the club's bald eagle mascot Phoenix. The group also wants the club to agree never to feature a live animal mascot again. The request highlights that the club already employs a human mascot to engage fans during events.
Welfare Concerns at the Stadium
The organization points out that eagles are solitary creatures unsuited to loud, crowded settings with bright lights and sudden noises, which can leave the birds frightened or disoriented. A prior eagle named Kayla had appeared at Selhurst Park and flown across the pitch before games. Other cases involving birds at matches include an owl struck by a ball, eagles colliding with walls or windows, a falcon landing on a spectator and a supporter striking a rival team's eagle.
Club Background and Next Steps
Crystal Palace has carried the Eagles nickname since 1973. PETA argues that symbols of freedom should not serve as entertainment props in noisy environments and is asking the club to end Phoenix's matchday role. The team has been approached for a response.
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