- Oct 16, 2026
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Animal rights group PETA has called on Crystal Palace to immediately retire its bald eagle mascot Phoenix and cease using live animals as mascots permanently. The organization sent a letter to club CEO Sharon Lacey urging the change.
PETA highlighted several incidents involving birds at sporting venues, including an owl that died after being struck by a ball and eagles that crashed into walls and glass windows. The group also noted a falcon once landed on a spectator's head, embedding talons into the person's scalp. A previous Palace eagle mascot named Kayla, who flew the length of the pitch at Selhurst Park before matches, was attacked at a League Cup fixture against Charlton in September 2015 when a fan punched the bird.
Dr Carys Bennett of PETA said, "Bald eagles are revered as symbols of freedom, yet Phoenix is being used as little more than a prop." The organization added that eagles are reclusive birds that deserve better than stressful, loud stadium environments.
Crystal Palace has been known as the Eagles since 1973 and already employs a human mascot. The club did not respond to a request for comment.
Source: ESPN - Tue Oct 20, 12:31 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).