EPL: Stadiums not for live animal mascots, group tells Crystal Palace

An animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has urged Crystal Palace football club to discontinue the use of its live bald eagle mascot, named Phoenix. In a letter addressed to club CEO Sharon Lacey, PETA urged the Premier League side to retire Phoenix immediately and refrain from using live animal mascots in the future.

The eagle, previously named Phoenix and introduced to Crystal Palace matches in 2010, had served as the club's mascot for a decade until her death in 2020. Phoenix made her debut against West Ham United in August 2024.

PETA argued that the presence of bright lights, loud noises, and boisterous crowds at stadiums can cause significant stress, fear, and disorientation in birds, putting both the animals and spectators at risk. The organization further contended that using eagles for entertainment purposes not only prevents them from adhering to their natural instincts but also causes them stress and frustration.

PETA cited several incidents involving live mascots, including birds being injured or killed due to collisions with walls, windows, and footballs. In one case, a falcon even punctured a fan's scalp with its talons. In 2017, a supporter of Charlton Athletic was convicted of attempting to punch Phoenix during a League Cup match.

Dr Carys Bennett, PETA's senior corporate projects manager, pointed out that many professional sports teams employ willing humans as mascots instead of live animals. She emphasized that bald eagles are universally recognized symbols of freedom and deserved better than being used as mere entertainment props to amuse fans. The club, nicknamed the Eagles since 1973, had previously employed another live eagle named Pete as a mascot.