KAYLA the Eagle is certainly a special bird to Palace fans – but now her place on a matchday in SE25 is under major threat after Eagle Heights, the centre she is kept at in, is facing huge financial struggle.
The centre, based in Eynsford, near to Swanley and West Kingsdown in Kent, has already had to close their reptile house in order to keep others areas open and for Kayla to continue special educational programmes.
However, it has now become clear that Eagle Heights is still in desperate need, and should it become worse, Kayla will no longer be able to perform at Selhurst Park.
And the guy who looks after her at the Bird of Prey centre and on a matchday, Christopher Belsey, admits he would be devastated should they be forced to shut down.
"We are going through a really hard time and it's as basic as saying there's no more money in the pot," he told the Advertiser.
"If things gets worse, it's a possibility some or all of the birds will go. We have got to get money in to see us through to the summer.
"The centre used to be in partnership with the landowners here but we're not any more so now it's become a struggle for us.
"Basically we have borrowed what we can from the banks. We could go any time soon. There is no money, full stop. Our overdraft is what it is, that's it."
For the full story, don't miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser.
To make a donation to save Eagle Heights and keep Kayla performing at Selhurst Park, head to www.eagleheights.co.uk and go to the bottom of Kayla's page to a PayPal link.
By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)
