Animal rights group PETA has called on Crystal Palace Football Club to retire its live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, citing concerns about the bird’s welfare and the safety of fans. In a letter addressed to the club’s chief executive, Sharon Lacey, PETA urged the club to cease using live animals as mascots altogether.
Crystal Palace, known as the Eagles since 1973, introduced a live bald eagle mascot in 2010 with Kayla, who served for a decade before her death in 2020. Phoenix, Kayla’s successor, made her debut in August 2024 as a young eagle and has appeared at some matches since then. Plans for Phoenix to perform a traditional flight across the pitch before games—previously a hallmark of Kayla’s appearances—have reportedly been shelved this season.
PETA argued that the stadium environment, characterized by bright lights, loud noises, and large, boisterous crowds, is unsuitable for wild birds like bald eagles. According to the group, such conditions can cause the birds to become frightened, disoriented, and panicked, posing risks both to the animals and to people in attendance. The letter also referenced previous incidents involving live birds at sports events, including an owl struck by a ball, eagles colliding with walls or glass, a falcon injuring a fan, and an episode in 2015 when a Charlton supporter was found guilty of attempting to punch Kayla during a match.
Dr. Carys Bennett, PETA’s senior corporate projects manager, emphasized that bald eagles, despite their status as symbols of freedom, should not be used merely as entertainment props. She noted that Crystal Palace already employs a human mascot to engage with fans, and therefore there is no justification for exposing a wild animal to the intense stadium atmosphere.
Crystal Palace has not publicly responded to PETA’s request. The club has so far maintained the practice of featuring Phoenix at select games, albeit without performing the more demanding pre-match rituals associated with her predecessor. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between traditional sports entertainment practices involving live animals and growing concerns over animal welfare standards.