Beloved Big Bear eagle Jackie dies after prolonged illness, wildlife officials say
Key Points:
- Jackie, a beloved bald eagle from Big Bear known worldwide through a live nest camera, has died after more than three weeks of intensive medical care for severe anemia and kidney inflammation.
- Jackie had been a fixture at the Big Bear nest for at least 15 years and was rescued after being found weak following a fight with subadult eagles near Big Bear Lake in mid-July.
- Despite receiving oxygen therapy, a life-saving blood transfusion, advanced diagnostics including CT scans and bone marrow biopsy, and round-the-clock care at the Ojai Raptor Center, her condition deteriorated and she remained critically ill until her death.
- Jackie was famous for raising multiple eaglets with her mate Shadow, captivating millions of fans worldwide since the installation of the Big Bear eagle cam in 2015; the future of the Big Bear nest following her death is currently uncertain.
- Her remains have been transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Ojai Raptor Center expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging the widespread support and grief from the global community.