Peta urges Crystal Palace to retire live bald eagle mascot

Animal rights group Peta has urged Crystal Palace to stop using their live bald eagle mascot with immediate effect, stating that a loud stadium environment is unsuitable for animals. The organisation sent a letter to Palace chief executive Sharon Lacey asking the Premier League club to halt pre-match displays involving the bird, named Phoenix, at Selhurst Park.

Peta warned that birds risk becoming frightened and disoriented during football matches, which can lead to stress or injuries for the animals and spectators. Dr Carys Bennett, senior corporate projects manager at Peta, stated that the club already has a costumed mascot and noted that bald eagles should not serve as entertainment props.

• Phoenix made her first official appearance against West Ham United in August 2024, meeting supporters in the Fanzone before her half-time introduction.
• Crystal Palace replaced their Glaziers nickname with the Eagles in 1973 during Malcolm Allison's rebranding, which also introduced an eagle badge and red and blue colours.