Peta urges Crystal Palace to retire bald eagle mascot Phoenix

Summary

The animal rights group Peta has urged Crystal Palace to retire its American bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, and to commit never to use a live animal mascot again. In a letter to the club's chief executive, Sharon Lacey, Peta said the matchday experience can leave the bird frightened, disoriented and panicked, and can put spectators at risk. It called on the club to end Phoenix's appearances at Selhurst Park. According to The Guardian, Peta said there is no reason to drag a wild animal into a stadium. The BBC reported that Peta said a bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   20 Oct 2026, 12:00 UTCSource ↗

   Peta wrote to Crystal Palace chief executive Sharon Lacey urging the club to end appearances by its bald eagle mascot Phoenix at Selhurst Park and never again use a live animal mascot, saying the matchday experience can leave the bird frightened, disoriented and panicked and put spectators at risk.

2. BBC

   21 Oct 2026, 07:24 UTCSource ↗

   Peta is urging Crystal Palace to retire its bald eagle mascot, saying a bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals.