Sportsupdated 1h ago2 min read
PETA Urges Crystal Palace CEO Sharon Lacey To Retire Live Bald Eagle Mascot Phoenix
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PETA urges Crystal Palace to retire Phoenix immediately. PETA to Crystal Palace CEO Sharon Lacey: retire Phoenix immediately and never use live mascot.
PETA targets Phoenix
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals urged Crystal Palace to retire their live bald eagle mascot Phoenix with immediate effect, saying a "bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals". PETA sent a letter to Palace CEO Sharon Lacey asking the club to stop using Phoenix in pre-match displays at Selhurst Park and to "never using a live animal mascot again". PETA senior corporate projects manager Dr Carys Bennett said bald eagles are "revered as symbols of freedom" and that they "deserve better than to be used as an entertainment prop to amuse the Eagles' fans."
Crystal Palace introduced a live eagle to matchdays in 2010, and the club’s Eagles nickname dates to 1973. Phoenix made her debut against West Ham in August 2024, after Kayla died in 2020 and performed the role for 10 years.
Stress and past incidents
PETA argued that birds can become "frightened, disoriented and panicked" in stadium environments, putting themselves and fans at risk. PETA said using live birds for displays and entertainment denies animals the chance to engage with their natural instincts, leading to "frustration and stress". PETA’s letter cited incidents including "an owl who died after being hit by a ball" and "eagles who crashed into walls or glass windows".
PETA also referenced a falcon that landed on a spectator’s head, sinking its talons into the man’s scalp, and it pointed to a case where "a rowdy football supporter punched a rival team's eagle mascot." PETA said the remark referred to an attack on Phoenix’s predecessor, Kayla, during a League Cup tie against south London rivals Charlton in September 2015.
Palace next steps
Crystal Palace’s mascot dispute arrived as manager Pierre Sage faced scrutiny after collecting just seven points from his side's opening seven league outings. Palace worsened their situation when they were thrashed 5-0 by fierce rivals Brighton at the Amex Stadium, with Diego Gomez scoring from the halfway line. PETA’s request asked Palace to commit to retiring Phoenix from matchday duties for good, and Dr Carys Bennett said Crystal Palace already has a human mascot to energise supporters.
PETA said Phoenix is based at the Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Kent, and it argued that even birds raised in captivity retain natural instincts and may experience frustration and stress. Palace will attempt to respond when they travel to face Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday.