Crystal Palace urged to retire bald eagle mascot

Animal rights group Peta has urged Crystal Palace to immediately retire their live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, from pre-match displays at Selhurst Park. In a letter sent to Palace CEO Sharon Lacey, the organisation called on the Premier League club to completely end the use of live animal mascots, stating that noisy and crowded stadiums cause animals extreme frustration, fear, and disorientation.

Crystal Palace first introduced a live eagle mascot in 2010 with Kayla, who served for ten years until her death in 2020, before Phoenix debuted in August 2024. Peta highlighted safety concerns and historical incidents involving live birds at sports venues, noting that the club can instead rely solely on its costumed mascot, Pete the Eagle.