Crystal Palace has been urged to end the use of its live eagle mascot at Selhurst Park by animal rights organisation PETA.

The eagle has been a central part of the club’s matchday identity since 2010, when its flight became a regular feature before games at the stadium. But the tradition has now come under scrutiny from one of the world’s largest animal protection organisations.

PETA has written to Crystal Palace chief executive Sharon Lacey asking the club to “send Phoenix into retirement”. Phoenix, a bald eagle, serves as the club’s mascot and flies around Selhurst Park during matches.

The organisation has also called on Crystal Palace to commit to never using live animals as mascots in the future.

The letter was reported by derbyderbyderby.it. Crystal Palace has not yet responded to the request.