PETA Demands Change
Animal rights group PETA wants Crystal Palace to retire their live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, right away. The organisation sent a letter to Palace chief executive Sharon Lacey asking the club to stop using live animal mascots forever. The club has previously used eagles before matches at Selhurst Park, where the birds fly across the pitch.
Risks of Stadium Life
PETA stated that reclusive birds should not face the stress of a loud stadium. Loud noises, bright lights, and big crowds can make birds frightened, disoriented, and panicked. The letter also mentioned past incidents involving live birds at football matches. An owl died after a ball hit it, eagles crashed into walls or glass windows, and a falcon landed on a fan and sank its talons into his scalp. Another case involved a fan punching a rival team's eagle mascot, which refers to an attack on a previous Palace eagle named Kayla during a match against Charlton in September 2015.
Call for Human Mascots
Dr Carys Bennett from PETA noted that bald eagles are symbols of freedom and should not be used as props for entertainment. She added that Crystal Palace already employs a human mascot to pump up supporters, meaning there is no need to bring a wild animal into a crowded stadium. PETA asked the club to let Phoenix retire from matchday duties. Crystal Palace has been contacted for a response.
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