PETA Urges Crystal Palace to Drop Live Bald Eagle Mascot Phoenix
Animal rights organization PETA calls on Crystal Palace to halt the use of its live bald eagle mascot Phoenix, citing severe stress and stadium safety risks.
PETA has urged Crystal Palace to immediately stop using its live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, arguing that a packed stadium is no place for a wild animal. In a letter addressed to the club's CEO Sharon Lacey, the animal rights organization demanded an end to the pre-match flights at Selhurst Park.
The club, nicknamed The Eagles since 1973, has featured live birds of prey at home matches since 2010. PETA warns that deafening stadium noise can cause severe panic, stress, and confusion for the raptor, while also posing safety risks to the attending supporters.
"Bald eagles are symbols of freedom and deserve better than to be used as entertainment props," said Dr. Carys Bennett of PETA, suggesting the club rely solely on its human-costumed mascot, Pete the Eagle, to hype up the crowd.
