Crystal Palace have been asked to retire the American bald eagle that they present ahead of matches at Selhurst Park, with an animal rights charity saying the practice can be frightening

Crystal Palace have been requested to retire their mascot, the American bald eagle Phoenix, immediately by PETA. The animal rights charity wrote a letter to the club's chief executive, Sharon Lacey, saying that 'wildlife doesn't belong in a football stadium'.

Phoenix participates in pre-match displays and joins supporters for photographs at Selhurst Park, and was present for the team's opening home match against Manchester City. The eagle succeeded Kayla, another American bald Eagle, who passed away in 2020 at 28 after suffering a heart attack.

The south London side have been known as the Eagles since the 70s and introduced Kayla to matchdays in 2010. Phoenix first appeared ahead of a clash with West Ham in August 2024.

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PETA wrote to Lacey last month to say 'a bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals and noting that under such conditions, birds easily become frightened, disoriented, and panicked', per the Athletic.

“When eagles are used for displays and entertainment, they are denied the opportunity to engage in their natural behaviour, resulting in frustration and stress,” the letter added. “They deserve better than to be used as an entertainment ‘prop’ to amuse the Eagles’ fans.”

PETA senior corporate projects manager Dr Carys Bennett said: "Bald eagles are revered as symbols of freedom, yet Phoenix is being used as little more than a prop to entertain football fans.

“ Crystal Palace already has a human mascot to energise supporters, so there’s no reason to drag a wild animal into a noisy, crowded stadium. PETA is urging the club to let Phoenix spread his wings and retire him from matchday duties for good.”

The organisation claims to have records of incidents involving live mascots, including birds, being injured or killed in collisions with walls, windows and match balls.

In 2017, a Charlton Athletic fan was found guilty of attempting to punch Kayla at a League Cup match between the clubs. The incident was among those referenced by PETA.