PETA Calls on Crystal Palace to Retire Live Eagle Mascot Phoenix

Posted : 21 October 2026

Animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called on Crystal Palace to immediately end the use of its live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, at home matches. The group has written to the club's chief executive, Sharon Lacey, requesting that the Premier League side stop featuring the bird in pre-match displays at Selhurst Park and commit to never using live animal mascots again.

Crystal Palace have been nicknamed the Eagles since 1973 and introduced a live eagle mascot in 2010. The original bird, Kayla, performed the role for a decade before her death in 2020. Phoenix subsequently took over and made her debut ahead of the club's match against West Ham in August 2024.

PETA argues that football stadiums are unsuitable environments for birds because of the intense lighting, loud noises and large crowds. According to the organisation, these conditions can leave animals frightened, confused and distressed, potentially endangering both the birds and spectators.

The group also contends that using eagles for entertainment prevents them from expressing their natural behaviours. Although birds may be accustomed to human handlers, PETA maintains that their instinctive need for space and avoidance of people can make crowded sporting venues particularly stressful.

To support its campaign, PETA pointed to several incidents involving live birds at sporting events. These included birds being injured or killed after colliding with walls, glass windows or match balls, as well as a case in which a falcon reportedly embedded its talons in a spectator's scalp after landing on his head.

The organisation also referred to an incident involving Palace's former mascot, Kayla. In 2015, a Charlton Athletic supporter attempted to punch the eagle during a League Cup fixture, and he was found guilty of the offence in 2017.

PETA's senior corporate projects manager, Dr Carys Bennett, argued that Crystal Palace could continue entertaining supporters without involving a live animal, pointing to the club's existing costumed mascot, Pete the Eagle.

Bennett also stressed that bald eagles are widely regarded as symbols of freedom and should not be treated as props for sporting entertainment. The organisation wants Phoenix permanently withdrawn from matchday duties.

Crystal Palace Yet to Respond to the Appeal

PETA's request adds to the wider debate over the use of live animals in sporting events, particularly where noise, crowds and unfamiliar surroundings could affect their welfare.

According to reports published on 20 October 2026, Crystal Palace had not responded to PETA's letter or its subsequent request for comment. The club's position on whether Phoenix will continue to appear at Selhurst Park therefore remains unclear.

The campaign group maintains that replacing live animal appearances with human mascots would allow the club to preserve its traditions while avoiding the potential welfare and safety concerns associated with using birds in a busy football stadium.

PETA Calls on Crystal Palace to Retire Live Eagle Mascot Phoenix

Crystal Palace Yet to Respond to the Appeal

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