Crystal Palace are facing calls to end the use of their live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, after animal rights group Peta urged the club to retire the bird immediately.
In a letter to Palace chief executive Sharon Lacey, Peta asked the Premier League club to stop featuring Phoenix in pre-match displays at Selhurst Park. The organisation also called for Palace never to use live animals as mascots again.
Peta said the noise and atmosphere of stadiums can leave birds frightened, disoriented and panicked. It also warned that this could create risks for both the animals and supporters.
The group further argued that using birds for entertainment prevents them from following their natural instincts. According to Peta, that can contribute to frustration and stress because the animals would naturally avoid human contact.
Palace have been known as the Eagles since 1973 and introduced a live eagle for matchdays in 2010. Kayla carried out the role for a decade before dying in 2020.
Phoenix subsequently became the club's eagle mascot and made her first appearance against West Ham in August 2024. Peta's request places the future of the long-running matchday display under scrutiny.
