PETA Calls on Crystal Palace to End Phoenix’s Matchday Role

Crystal Palace have been urged to end the matchday use of their live bald eagle, Phoenix, after PETA sent a formal request to chief executive Sharon Lacey seeking a permanent ban on animal mascots at the club.

Call for Phoenix to leave matchday duties

The animal-rights organisation wants Palace to pledge that no live animal will again be used as part of its stadium build-up. Phoenix, obtained from the Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Kent in August 2024, appears as a living representation of the Eagles identity that became associated with the club during Malcolm Allison’s spell in 1973.

PETA argued that Palace already have a costumed alternative in Pete the Eagle and do not need to bring a bird into a packed football venue. Its letter said eagles should not be exposed to the noise, lighting and crowds of a major stadium, claiming those conditions can leave birds scared, confused or distressed.

Dr Carys Bennett said bald eagles are widely seen as emblems of freedom but that Phoenix was being treated as entertainment for supporters. She called on Palace to allow the bird to retire permanently from fixture-day appearances.

Previous incidents cited in appeal

In pressing its case, PETA referred to a number of incidents involving birds at football stadiums. The group said the risks of live-animal displays had been illustrated by cases in which birds and spectators were harmed.

• An owl died after being struck by a football.
• Eagles have flown into walls or glass at grounds.
• A falcon landed on a spectator and drove its talons into the man’s scalp.
• A supporter once punched an opposing club’s eagle mascot.

The final incident related to Phoenix’s predecessor, Kayla. Palace’s original American bald eagle was attacked during a heated League Cup match against Charlton Athletic in September 2015.

Kayla’s role in Palace tradition

Kayla had been introduced in 2010 and regularly flew the length of the Selhurst Park pitch before matches. She died from a heart attack in June 2020 at the age of 28.

Phoenix later took up the role after arriving from the Kent wildlife foundation. PETA’s position is that Palace should now rely on their human mascot rather than continuing a tradition involving a live bird.

Palace seek response after Brighton defeat

The debate has emerged during a difficult spell for Pierre Sage’s side. Palace have collected seven points from their first seven league matches, placing the manager under growing scrutiny.

Sunday brought a particularly damaging result as Palace were beaten 5-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. Diego Gomez scored from the halfway line during the heavy defeat to their south-coast rivals.

Palace’s next opportunity to recover comes on Thursday, when they travel to Turkey to face Besiktas in the Europa League.