In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the ethical concerns surrounding the use of wild animals in entertainment. One particularly disturbing example recently came to light during a U.S. Women’s National Team match in Washington, D.C., where a bald eagle named Clark was brought out as part of a pre-game spectacle. The eagle, symbolizing freedom and strength, was subjected to an agonizingly stressful situation. As fireworks exploded around him and thousands of cheering fans watched, Clark struggled to break free from his handler. The spectacle was meant to create a “wow” moment for the crowd, but instead, it exposed the glaring ethical problem of using wild animals in such high-pressure environments.
Clark, a majestic and powerful bird of prey, was hauled in from a facility in Missouri specifically for this event. He was forced to endure the overwhelming noise, flashing lights, and chaotic atmosphere of the stadium. This is a practice that should be condemned, not celebrated. Wild animals, particularly those with such complex needs as bald eagles, should never be subjected to such stressful conditions. Not only is this type of exploitation inhumane, but it also poses significant safety risks for both the animal and the human spectators.
The Irony of Exploiting a Symbol of Freedom
The use of a bald eagle, a national symbol of freedom, is especially ironic. The bald eagle represents strength, resilience, and the natural beauty of wildlife. To exploit this majestic creature for a brief moment of spectacle is deeply troubling. It is critical to understand that wild animals are not entertainment props, and their needs cannot be met in artificial, high-stress environments like sports stadiums.
The distress Clark experienced was palpable. He was transported hundreds of miles for the sole purpose of being part of a pre-game performance, only to be subjected to the overwhelming sounds of fireworks, a raucous crowd, and the intense spotlight of a sporting event. It is well-known that fireworks can be particularly terrifying for animals, causing them extreme stress and disorientation. For a wild animal to be placed in this kind of environment is not just unethical—it’s dangerous.
The Risks of Using Wild Animals in Sports
Sadly, Clark’s experience is not an isolated incident. Over the years, there have been multiple reports of wild animals being exploited at sporting events, only to break free from their handlers or suffer from the overwhelming stress of the environment. In some instances, birds have flown erratically around stadiums, crashing into walls or becoming trapped in the crowd. These are not isolated accidents; they are direct results of putting wild animals in situations they are not equipped to handle.
Such incidents can be traumatic for the animals, causing both physical harm and emotional distress. They also pose safety risks to humans, with errant animals potentially injuring themselves or others in the crowd. The situation with Clark is a reminder of the dangers involved when animals are treated as spectacles rather than living beings with their own natural behaviors and instincts.
Ethical Alternatives to Wild Animal Exploitation
The use of wild animals in sports events is not just outdated—it is a harmful practice that needs to end. Today, we have countless creative and ethical alternatives that can be used to engage fans and promote teams without causing harm to animals. Teams can rely on non-living mascots, digital representations, or other imaginative methods to create excitement and celebrate their team spirit. The power of technology and art can replace the need for living, breathing creatures to be exploited for our entertainment.
As society progresses, it’s crucial that we move away from these antiquated practices that exploit animals for entertainment. There are countless ways to celebrate sports and wildlife that do not involve subjecting animals to trauma. In fact, many organizations around the world have already taken steps to eliminate the use of wild animals in entertainment, recognizing that it is no longer acceptable to exploit animals for profit or spectacle.
A Call for Change: Stop Using Wild Animals in Sports
It’s time for the U.S. Soccer Federation and other sports organizations to commit to the ethical treatment of animals. No wild animal should be used in a stadium setting, whether for a halftime show, pre-game spectacle, or as a team mascot. These animals belong in their natural habitats, not in stressful, artificial environments where they are treated as props for human amusement. The U.S. Soccer Federation has the opportunity to set a precedent by banning the use of wild animals in all future events and instead encouraging responsible and humane alternatives.
I urge the Federation to take immediate steps to ensure that no more animals suffer in this way. The use of wild animals in sporting events is a practice we must leave behind. It’s time to prioritize the well-being of animals over outdated and harmful entertainment.
We can still celebrate the excitement of sports, the beauty of wildlife, and the passion of fans, but we must do so in a way that respects the rights of all living creatures. Let’s move toward a future where no animal is forced to endure the chaos of a sports stadium. I hope that the U.S. Soccer Federation will make a firm commitment to protecting animals and ensuring that no more distressing incidents like this one will occur.
Dear U.S. Soccer Federation,
I am writing this to express my deep concern regarding the use of wild animals at soccer games and, more broadly, at any sports events. Recently, during a U.S. Women’s National Team match in Washington, D.C., a bald eagle named Clark was displayed as part of a pre-game spectacle. This eagle, symbolizing freedom and strength, was forced to endure an intensely stressful situation, struggling to break free from its handler while fireworks exploded nearby and thousands of fans cheered. This spectacle, intended to create a “wow” moment for the crowd, was deeply upsetting to many, myself included, and highlights the ethical problems with using wild animals in such settings.
Clark, a wild animal, was transported from a facility in Missouri to be part of this event. He was subjected to extreme stress, with fireworks going off around him and the overwhelming noise of the stadium crowd. This kind of exploitation is not only inhumane but dangerous for both the animal and the humans involved. Wild animals, particularly large birds of prey like bald eagles, should never be subjected to these high-stress environments, as they can become disoriented and pose safety risks to themselves and others.
Exploiting a symbol of freedom—the bald eagle—for such a spectacle is especially ironic. This eagle’s powerful image should be respected and admired from a distance, not exploited for the amusement of a crowd. It’s critical that we understand that wild animals have complex needs and behaviors that cannot be met in these artificial, high-pressure situations. They are not entertainment props, and they should not be treated as such.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. There have been multiple reports of wild animals being forced to participate in events like this, only to break free from their handlers or suffer distress. Birds have flown erratically, crashing into stadium walls or getting trapped in the crowd. The stress and trauma these animals experience is real, and it is completely avoidable.
Animals should not be exploited for sport or entertainment, and this includes their role as team mascots or attractions. Using live animals in sports events, especially wild animals like Clark the bald eagle, is an outdated and harmful practice. Teams and organizations should be encouraged to choose ethical, safe alternatives, such as using non-living mascots or digital representations, to promote their teams.
I urge the U.S. Soccer Federation to take immediate steps to ensure that no wild animals are used at future events. It is time for sports organizations to prioritize the well-being of animals over outdated spectacles that only serve to create distress for the animals involved. Wild animals should not be forced to endure the stress of stadiums, pyrotechnics, and crowds, and their place is not in these events.
We can celebrate wildlife and sporting excellence without causing harm. I hope the Federation will make a commitment to protecting animals from suffering by ensuring that events like this do not happen again. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.