Peta calls for Crystal Palace to end live eagle mascot appearances
Peta has urged Crystal Palace to retire Phoenix, the club’s live bald eagle mascot, saying the noise, lights and crowds at Selhurst Park could cause distress and create risks for the bird and spectators. The group has asked Palace to end Phoenix’s matchday appearances and pledge not to use live animal mascots again.
Palace introduced Phoenix in August 2024, after her predecessor Kayla died in 2020; Phoenix has not appeared at the ground since her debut. Plans for her to fly across the pitch were reportedly abandoned this season. Peta cited past incidents involving birds at sporting events, including an attempted punch at Kayla in 2015. Palace and the Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation did not respond to requests for comment; Benfica also features a live bald eagle at home matches.
- Peta wants Crystal Palace to retire eagle mascot Phoenix.
- Phoenix has not returned to Selhurst Park since her 2024 debut.
- Palace and her wildlife foundation did not respond to requests for comment.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Animal rights group urges Crystal Palace to retire bald eagle mascot”.