Animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has urged English Premier League club Crystal Palace to retire its live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, citing concerns about animal welfare and spectator safety.

In a letter to the club’s chief executive, Sharon Lacey, on Wednesday, PETA called on Crystal Palace to end the use of live animal mascots, arguing that the noise, bright lights and large crowds at football stadiums could leave birds frightened, disoriented and stressed.

The organisation said such environments could also expose animals and spectators to potential injury.

Crystal Palace, nicknamed the Eagles since 1973, introduced its first live eagle mascot, Kayla, in 2010. Kayla featured in matchday displays for about a decade before her death in 2020.

Her successor, Phoenix, made her first official appearance before supporters in August 2024 during a match against West Ham United.

However, reports indicate that Phoenix has not appeared at Selhurst Park since her debut, and plans for her to fly across the pitch before matches were reportedly abandoned.

PETA cited previous incidents involving live animal mascots, including birds being injured or killed after colliding with walls, windows or footballs. It also referred to an incident involving a Charlton Athletic supporter who was found guilty after attempting to punch Kayla during a League Cup fixture in 2015.

Dr Carys Bennett, PETA’s senior corporate projects manager, said the club could engage supporters through its human mascot instead of using a live bird.

“Bald eagles are revered as symbols of freedom, yet Phoenix is being used as little more than a prop to entertain football fans,” Bennett said.

She urged the club to end Phoenix’s matchday duties permanently.

Phoenix is based at Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Kent, which has worked with Crystal Palace on the eagle mascot programme.

Crystal Palace had not publicly responded to PETA’s request at the time of reporting. British media outlets reported that the club had been contacted for comment.

The campaign has renewed debate about the use of live animals in sporting events, with animal welfare advocates arguing that noisy stadium environments may be unsuitable for wildlife, while live mascots remain part of the traditions of some sports clubs.