An animal rights group has called on a football club to retire its bird of prey mascot.

Two-year-old bald eagle Phoenix, who lives at Eagle Heights in Eynsford, is the official live matchday mascot for Crystal Palace FC.

In a letter to the Premier League club’s chief executive Sharon Lacey on September 1, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called on the club to “protect wildlife” by retiring Phoenix and to commit “never to use a live animal mascot again”.

It stated: “A bright stadium filled with boisterous fans is no place for animals. Under such conditions, birds easily become frightened, disoriented, and panicked – placing themselves and others at risk.”

Phoenix made her first official appearance at the West Ham United match in August 2024, where she charmed supporters in the Fanzone before making her formal debut to the crowd at half-time.

Eagle Heights’ website adds: “At just four months old at the time, she had been carefully prepared for her prestigious role as Crystal Palace’s official live mascot since hatching.

“Crystal Palace FC generously supported her upbringing, training, and ongoing care as part of their commitment to our wildlife foundation.”

She took over from Kayla, who died in 2020 after suffering a heart attack aged 26, after a decade’s service.

The wildlife foundation is home to more than 50 species of birds of prey alongside huskies, reptiles, farm animals and meerkats, and celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

It was set up with a vision of creating a place where people could connect with wildlife while supporting conservation, education and the care of rescued animals.

Director Samantha Leonard previously told KentOnline that vision remains at the heart of everything it does.

Many of its residents have been rescued, and every penny it receives goes directly into caring for its animals and supporting its conservation work.

PETA’s letter states that it has “detailed records” of incidents involving birds used as mascots at other stadiums.

It references an incident in 2015, when Kayla was attacked by Charlton Athletic supporter Daniel Boylett, who was later convicted of trying to punch her during Charlton's 4-1 loss to Palace in the Capital One Cup third-round tie.

The letter adds: “In nature, these magnificent birds fly over vast territories, spend most of their time high in the tree line, and would naturally avoid humans. Their wild instincts are retained even when raised in captivity.

“When eagles are used for displays and entertainment, they are denied the opportunity to engage in their natural behaviour, resulting in frustration and stress. Wildlife doesn’t belong in a football stadium.

“Wild animal circus performances are prohibited in the UK, and the new legislation for falconry zoos recognises the many welfare concerns of bird-of-prey displays. Bald eagles are widely recognised as symbols of freedom. They deserve better than to be used as an entertainment ‘prop’ to amuse The Eagles’ fans.”

Kayla was born in the wilds of Canada in 1994 and was stolen from the wild with her sister as a youngster.

The pair were later rescued when the authorities were alerted to the illegal theft. Kayla arrived in Eynsford in 1998.

Eagle Heights and Crystal Palace FC have been approached for comment.