People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has sent a letter to Crystal Palace chief executive Sharon Lacey, calling on the club to retire its live American bald eagle mascot, Phoenix. The animal rights organisation argues that a “bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals” and can leave the bird “frightened, disoriented, and panicked,” while also putting spectators at risk.
PETA's letter and concerns
In the letter, seen by Standard Sport, PETA detailed incidents involving live animal mascots, including “an owl who died after being hit by a ball, eagles who crashed into walls or glass windows, and a falcon who landed on a fan’s head, sinking his talons into the man’s scalp.”
PETA stated that eagles used in live displays are “denied the opportunity to engage in their natural behaviour, resulting in frustration and stress,” and suggested the birds deserve better than to be used as “props” for the entertainment of supporters.
Phoenix's history at Selhurst Park
Palace, known as the Eagles since 1973, first introduced a pre-match display from Kayla the Eagle in 2010. Kayla met fans outside the fanzone before flying from crossbar to crossbar, a fixture of the pre-match experience at Selhurst Park for a decade until her death in 2020.
Phoenix was introduced to supporters in August 2024 ahead of Palace’s game with West Ham but has not appeared since at Selhurst Park and has yet to make her maiden flight across the pitch before kick-off.
PETA's statement and response
PETA senior corporate projects manager Dr Carys Bennett said: “Bald eagles are revered as symbols of freedom, yet Phoenix is being used as little more than a prop to entertain football fans. Crystal Palace already has a human mascot to energise supporters, so there's no reason to drag a wild animal into a noisy, crowded stadium. PETA is urging the club to let Phoenix spread his wings and retire him from matchday duties for good.”
Standard Sport contacted Palace for comment, but the club did not respond to PETA’s letter or to a follow-up request last week.
