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Crystal Palace urged to retire their ‘frightened, disoriented and panicked’ bald eagle mascot by animal rights group

Animal rights group PETA has urged Crystal Palace to retire the club's bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, with immediate effect.

By TAMARA PRENN · Daily Mail

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 5:35 PM

Key Things to Know

PETA has urged Crystal Palace to immediately retire their live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix.
The animal rights group called for the club to commit to never using live animal mascots again.
PETA stated that stadium environments with bright lights and loud crowds cause wild birds stress and disorientation.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Animal rights organization PETA has formally written to Crystal Palace CEO Sharon Lacey, calling for the immediate retirement of the club's bald eagle mascot, Phoenix. The charity stated that eagles do not belong in booming, noisy stadium environments, warning that loud crowds and bright lights can leave birds frightened and disoriented.

Phoenix has represented the Premier League side since 2024 and is cared for by the Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation. PETA highlighted previous stadium incidents involving birds, including a 2015 incident where a fan struck Palace's former mascot Kayla, urging the club to permanently discontinue using live animals.

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