Animal rights group calls on Crystal Palace to retire eagle mascot
Peta urges the football club to stop using a live bald eagle at matches, citing welfare concerns.
At a glance
- Peta wrote to Crystal Palace's chief executive requesting the retirement of Phoenix, the club's bald eagle mascot
- The group argues the matchday experience leaves the bird frightened, disoriented and panicked
- Peta called on the club to pledge never to use a live animal mascot again
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has written to Crystal Palace's chief executive urging the club to retire Phoenix, its American bald eagle mascot, from matchday appearances at Selhurst Park. The group contends that the stadium environment causes the bird distress and poses a risk to spectators.
Peta has asked the club to commit to never using a live animal mascot in future. The animal rights organisation stated there is no justification for bringing a wild animal into a stadium setting.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing debate about the use of live animals in sports entertainment and animal welfare standards in professional football.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — SportAnimal rights group urges Crystal Palace to retire bald eagle mascot
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.