Tip: tap a highlighted word to see its meaning in Urdu.
An animal rights group wants Crystal Palace to stop using a live bald eagle mascot at football matches.
Level 1 · Easy
An animal rights group asks Crystal Palace to stop using a live bald eagle. The group says a loud is not a good place for animals.
The football started using a live eagle in 2010. A bird named Phoenix is the current . The group says birds can get scared and stressed in big crowds.
The animal group wants the club to use only human mascots in the future. Crystal Palace also has a human mascot named Pete the Eagle.
Level 2 · Medium
An animal rights group has asked Crystal Palace to stop using a live bald eagle as their matchday . The group believes that a bright full of loud is a bad place for wild animals.
The London football became known as the Eagles in 1973. They started bringing a live bird to games in 2010. A bird named Kayla worked for ten years before dying in 2020. A new eagle named Phoenix started the job in August 2024.
The animal rights organisation explains that stadium environments can make birds and confused. They also shared records of past incidents where birds were hurt during matches. The group suggests that the club should use human mascots only, noting that the team already has a human mascot named Pete the Eagle.
Level 3 · Real news English
An animal rights organisation has urged English football Crystal Palace to immediately stop using a live bald eagle as their . In a letter to the club chief executive Sharon Lacey, the group stated that a bright sports venue filled with loud supporters is completely unsuitable for animals.
Crystal Palace adopted the Eagles nickname in the mid-1970s and introduced a live bird to their home games at Selhurst Park in 2010. An eagle named Kayla performed the role for a decade until her death in 2020. A replacement bird named Phoenix made her first appearance during a against West Ham in August 2024.
The animal welfare group argues that noises and bright lights cause birds to feel panicked and disoriented, putting both the animals and human at risk. Furthermore, such displays prevent the creatures from following their natural instincts, leading to high levels of . The organisation highlighted past dangers, including incidents where birds collided with walls or match balls, and even a case where a falcon bit a spectator. In 2017, a football fan was convicted for trying to punch Kayla.
The group points out that many professional sports teams rely entirely on willing human performers as mascots. Crystal Palace already employs a human character named Pete the Eagle to excite the . Representatives noted that bald eagles represent and deserve better than to act as simple entertainment props for football fans.
Words to learn
- mascot — میسکاٹ (mascot): an animal or object chosen as a symbol to bring good luck “The school has a tiger as its mascot.”
- stadium — اسٹیڈیم (stadium): a large sports ground with seats for spectators “Thousands of fans filled the stadium.”
- fans — شائقین (fans): people who admire a sports team or famous person “The fans cheered loudly for their team.”
- frightened — خوف زدہ (frightened): made to feel afraid or anxious “The loud noise frightened the small cat.”
- stress — تناؤ (stress): mental or emotional strain “Too much work can cause stress.”
- crowd — ہجوم (crowd): a large number of people gathered together “A large crowd watched the game.”
- freedom — آزادی (freedom): the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants
- prop — پراپ (prop): an object used by actors or performers
- match — میچ (match): an organised sports game
- club — کلب (club): a sports organisation
Quick quiz
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Which animal rights group wants Crystal Palace to stop using a live bird?
- Peta
- FIFA
- UEFA
- WWF
-
What is the name of the current live eagle mascot?
- Kayla
- Phoenix
- Pete
- West Ham
-
When did the club introduce a live eagle to matchdays?
- 1973
- 2017
- 2010
- 2020
-
What does the word 'mascot' mean in the text?
- A loud sports fan
- A symbol to bring good luck
- A stadium manager
- A football player
-
What is the human mascot of Crystal Palace called?
- Pete the Eagle
- Sharon Lacey
- Carys Bennett
- Phoenix