Well, that didn't take long!
http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/When the NFL team in Cleveland left for Baltimore in 1996, the new team name of Ravens was chosen not for any particular affinity for the bird, but as a tribute to Edgar Allan Poe, who lived much of his life in Baltimore.
But this year the Ravens thought it would be a good idea to get some actual ravens to fly around the stadium during their pre-game introductions.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals does not like that idea at all, and Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun reports that PETA has sent a letter of protest to the team.
“We have received numerous complaints from people who are gravely concerned and upset that the Baltimore Ravens are planning to feature live African white nape ravens (members of the Corvidae family) at upcoming games, including having the birds fly out of smoky tunnel,” PETA’s letter said. “After carefully considering the following information, we urge you to cancel plans to feature live birds immediately and implement a policy prohibiting the use of live animals at all Ravens games.”
The Ravens didn’t respond to PETA’s letter, other than to note that the use of live animals at football games is widespread, including the Naval Academy using a goat and the Air Force Academy using a falcon. The Ravens will apparently go on with their plans to use real ravens.
