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League: EPLSport: SoccerCountry: EnglandCategory: General

Animal rights group urges Crystal Palace to retire eagle mascot

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 21, 2026, 7:24 AM

Last updated Oct 21, 2026

Animal rights group urges Crystal Palace to retire eagle mascot
Summary

Animal rights group Peta has called for Crystal Palace to retire their live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, currently used in pre-match displays at Selhurst Park. In a letter to CEO Sharon Lacey, Peta claims the stadium environment is unsuitable for the animal, which can lead to panic and disorientation. The mascot's predecessor, Kayla, served from 2010 until her death in 2020. Peta emphasizes that many sports teams use human mascots and points to past incidents, including injuries to live mascots. They argue that bald eagles deserve to be treated as symbols of freedom rather than entertainment props.

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Yahoo SportsBBC Sport
Status Watch
  • •Peta sent a letter to Crystal Palace urging the retirement of Phoenix.
  • •The club has used live eagle mascots since 2010.
  • •The previous mascot, Kayla, died in 2020.
  • •Peta cites risks to animals and fans in loud stadiums.
  • •The group documents incidents involving live mascots and injuries.
Latest Updates
  • 7:24 AMYahoo Sports — Crystal Palace urged to retire bald eagle mascot
  • 7:24 AMBBC Sport — Crystal Palace urged to retire bald eagle mascot
What they're saying
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Animal rights group Peta is urging Crystal Palace to retire their bald eagle mascot, saying a "bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals".

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

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