PETA is urging Crystal Palace to retire its live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, citing animal welfare concerns and the potential dangers of using live animals in football stadiums.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called on Crystal Palace Football Club to retire its live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, immediately. In a letter addressed to club chief executive Sharon Lacey, PETA urged the Premier League team to end Phoenix’s appearances during pre-match ceremonies at Selhurst Park and to commit to not using live animals as mascots in the future.
PETA argues that the atmosphere of a football stadium can be frightening and confusing for animals. The organization expressed concerns that the noise, bright lights, and large crowds at Selhurst Park could leave Phoenix distressed and disoriented, raising issues about both her welfare and the safety of spectators. The appeal has sparked a broader discussion about animal welfare in sports, particularly regarding the use of live animals for entertainment purposes.
The organization has highlighted several incidents involving live bird mascots at sporting events to bolster its case. PETA cites examples of owls being struck by footballs, eagles colliding with walls or glass, and a falcon injuring a spectator after landing on his head and embedding its talons in his scalp. Additionally, PETA pointed to a troubling incident involving Crystal Palace’s former eagle mascot, Kayla, who was targeted by a fan during a League Cup match in September 2015. The supporter was later convicted of attempting to punch the bird, an episode that underscores the risks animals may face in charged sporting environments.
Dr. Carys Bennett, PETA’s senior corporate projects manager, articulated the organization’s stance, stating that using a live eagle for entertainment contradicts the bird’s symbolism. “Bald eagles are revered as symbols of freedom, yet Phoenix is being used as little more than a prop to entertain football fans,” Bennett said. She also questioned the necessity of a live animal when the club already has a human mascot to engage supporters. “Crystal Palace already has a human mascot to energize supporters, so there’s no reason to drag a wild animal into a noisy, crowded stadium,” she added, urging the club to “let Phoenix spread her wings and retire from matchday duties for good.”
The tradition of featuring an eagle mascot at Crystal Palace dates back to 2010, when Kayla began her appearances and became known for flying across the pitch at Selhurst Park. She remained a fixture for a decade before her passing in 2020. Phoenix, who made her debut ahead of a match against West Ham in August 2024, is based at the Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Kent and does not attend every game. However, PETA contends that even birds raised in captivity retain their natural instincts and can experience stress and frustration when prevented from behaving as they would in the wild.
The ongoing debate has also drawn attention to the broader issue of live animal use in sports. For instance, Portuguese club Benfica features a bald eagle named Águia Vitória during home matches, a tradition that began in 2003 with the opening of the Estádio da Luz. PETA maintains that sporting events are unsuitable environments for such animals and has urged Crystal Palace to reconsider its long-standing tradition.
As of now, Crystal Palace has not responded to PETA’s letter or a subsequent request for comment. The Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation was also contacted for information regarding Phoenix’s welfare but did not reply. The campaign has ignited discussions about whether live animal mascots should continue to be part of football’s matchday spectacle, raising important questions about animal welfare in the sport.
According to The Sunday Guardian, the ongoing scrutiny of Crystal Palace’s use of Phoenix reflects a growing awareness of animal rights issues within the realm of sports entertainment.