Jackie, the bald eagle who captivated a global audience through the Big Bear Valley nest livestream, has died following weeks of intensive veterinary care for a mysterious illness.
The Ojai Raptor Center announced on Monday, August 10, that Jackie passed away in the early morning hours after more than three weeks of around-the-clock treatment. She had been rescued near Big Bear Lake in July and transferred to the center, where staff, veterinarians, consulting specialists, and representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife all worked to save her.
A Worldwide Icon
Jackie built her following through the Big Bear Valley eagle nest livestream, where viewers around the world watched her alongside her longtime mate, Shadow, as the pair raised eaglets, defended their territory, and tended to their nest season after season. She became one of the most recognizable bald eagles in the United States.
A Fight the Medical Team Could Not Win
Jackie arrived at the Ojai Raptor Center suffering from severe anemia, with blood levels that repeatedly dropped to dangerously low thresholds throughout her treatment. Her care included oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and continuous monitoring in the center’s intensive care unit. In the final days before her death, her packed cell volume fell below 6%, briefly climbing to 9% before declining again.
To determine the underlying cause of her condition, the medical team performed a contrast CT scan and a bone marrow biopsy, though the illness ultimately proved fatal despite those efforts. The team described themselves as “heartbroken” over the loss, asking for patience and kindness as they grieved.
The Ojai Raptor Center has shared a full statement remembering Jackie, and the community of viewers who followed her for years now faces the question of what comes next for the Big Bear Valley nest and her mate, Shadow.
