Animal rights group urges Crystal Palace to retire bald eagle mascot

Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has urged Crystal Palace to stop using a live bald eagle mascot with immediate effect, BBC News and The Guardian reported. In a letter to chief executive Sharon Lacey, Peta asked the Premier League football club to end matchday displays featuring the bird and to never use live animal mascots again, according to BBC News and The Guardian. [1][2]

BBC News reported that Peta stated a bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals. The Guardian reported that the organization warned the matchday environment can leave the bird frightened, disoriented and panicked, while also putting spectators at risk. [1][2]

The London club, known as the Eagles since 1973, introduced a live eagle mascot to matchdays in 2010, BBC News reported. An eagle named Kayla performed the mascot role before dying in 2020, while the current eagle used in pre-match displays at Selhurst Park is named Phoenix. [1]

The call from Peta comes during a difficult period on the pitch for the club. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage accepted fault for a five zero loss against rivals Brighton, leaving his job under pressure. [3][9]