A leading animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), has urged Crystal Palace Football Club to retire their live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, citing concerns for the bird's well-being during matchdays. Peta's letter, addressed to club CEO Sharon Lacey, highlights that the stadium environment can leave Phoenix "frightened, disoriented and panicked," potentially endangering both the bird and spectators.

Crystal Palace, known as the Eagles since 1973, introduced Phoenix as a replacement for Kayla, who served as the club's mascot from 2010 until her death in 2020. Phoenix made her debut in August 2024 at a match against West Ham United, but has not appeared again at Selhurst Park since. Plans for her to perform a flight across the pitch, a tradition established by Kayla, have reportedly been scrapped this season.

Peta's letter detailed incidents of eagles colliding with obstacles and past issues involving Kayla, including an incident where a fan attempted to punch her during a match in 2015. Dr. Carys Bennett, Peta’s senior corporate projects manager, emphasized that bald eagles, as symbols of freedom, should not be used as props for entertainment in such chaotic environments.

The organization argues that the natural behaviors of eagles make stadiums unsuitable for them, asserting that even captive-bred birds experience stress when deprived of their instinctual activities. While Benfica has included a bald eagle, Águia Vitória, in their matchday rituals since 2003, Peta maintains that Crystal Palace can rely on their human mascot to engage fans without subjecting a wild animal to the pressures of a football match.

As of now, Crystal Palace has not publicly responded to Peta’s letter or inquiries about Phoenix's welfare.