Jackie Big Bear Eagle, a bald eagle long followed on the Friends of Big Bear Valley live nest camera, died after a prolonged illness, the Ojai Raptor Center said. Staff had provided intensive medical treatment, oxygen therapy and round the clock monitoring as her condition worsened.
Veterinarians treated Jackie for severe anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys after she was found grounded and lethargic near Big Bear Lake in mid July, according to reporting from local outlets. The raptor center identified the bird in its care as Patient 26-519 and said she spent much of her final weeks in the center’s intensive care unit.
The center said Jackie’s condition deteriorated despite blood transfusions and other supportive care. Her remains have been transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Ojai Raptor Center said it is working with the U S Fish and Wildlife Service and CDFW and will release a fuller account of her treatment and test results.
Reactions Context And Legacy
Fans and wildlife groups worldwide expressed grief after Jackie’s death. Friends of Big Bear Valley spokeswoman Jenny Voisard called Jackie a fierce protector and a devoted mother and mate, saying, "She was a wonderful mate to Shadow. She was fierce but she was also tender." Voisard said Jackie helped people through personal hardship and noted the loss was deeply felt.
The CALM Zoo, whose eagle once provided a blood transfusion to Jackie, praised the Ojai team’s round the clock efforts and urged support for wildlife rehabilitation. The raptor center thanked supporters with a statement that read in part, "To everyone who cared about Patient 26-519, thank you."
Jackie and her longtime partner Shadow raised multiple eaglets and became a global phenomenon after the nest cam went live in 2015. Viewers watched seasons of chicks, including eaglets named Sandy and Luna this year. Jackie was believed to have hatched in the nest in 2011, and she returned to breed there in later seasons. She initially nested with a mate known as Mr. B before pairing with Shadow for the last eight years.
Wildlife photographer Robert Martinez noted that public attachment to animals like Jackie can drive conservation interest. Friends of Big Bear Valley asked the public for patience and kindness as staff process the loss and prepare more detailed findings about Jackie’s illness and care.
