Jackie, a beloved bald eagle who gained widespread recognition through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, has died. She passed away while undergoing rehabilitation at the Ojai Raptor Center in California after being rescued following an apparent altercation with two subadult eagles.
The Ojai Raptor Center confirmed Jackie's death, stating that her remains were transferred to the care of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In its final update on August 9, the center had described Jackie as "critically ill" and unstable.
Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the organization managing the eagle nest cam, shared their grief on Facebook, encouraging Jackie's fans to be compassionate towards themselves, others, the FOBBV team, and the staff at the Ojai Raptor Center. "Soar free Jackie," the center posted.
The incident began on July 17 when Jackie was involved in an altercation with two younger eagles. Although she managed to defend herself, she was later found on the ground near Dana Point Park. She was subsequently rescued and transported to the Ojai Raptor Center, located approximately 170 miles from her home in Big Bear Valley, where she lived with her long-term partner, Shadow.
Initial bloodwork conducted on July 21 indicated that Jackie was suffering from severe anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys. Veterinarians began supportive treatment based on the available information, with guidance from wildlife professionals worldwide. Over the following weeks, Jackie underwent extensive testing and round-the-clock treatment as specialists worked to diagnose her condition.
In its last health update, the Ojai Raptor Center reported that Jackie's packed cell volume had dropped below 6% on August 8, but showed a slight improvement to 9% on August 9. "The past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult," the center stated, emphasizing that her condition remained "extremely serious." A collaborative team, including nine veterinarians and representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, was closely evaluating her care and condition.
Jackie also received a life-saving blood transfusion from another eagle on July 20 and underwent oxygen therapy. She was treated for rodenticide toxicity, though caregivers did not believe it was the primary cause of her illness. Extensive testing ruled out other potential causes such as lead poisoning, cancer, and the presence of metal objects. Test results released on July 23 confirmed Jackie did not have lead poisoning, a common ailment among bald eagles.
Jackie was the first eaglet hatched in Big Bear Valley in 2012. Her parents, Ricky and Lucy, were the first known adult eagles to establish a permanent residence in the valley, which had previously been only a wintering ground for the species. Sandy Steers, a Big Bear resident and executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, who lived near Jackie's birthplace, was instrumental in the idea of installing a webcam. It took two years and $10,000 to fund the solar-powered camera, positioned 120 feet above the forest floor.
Before the webcam, Jackie lived in relative obscurity. Steers recalled watching Jackie practice flying and seeing her parents bring her food, spending hours fascinated by the young eagle. Steers described Jackie as "very determined, very serious, and she expects to get her way."
Jackie began a relationship in 2017 with an eagle named Mr. B. Their eggs hatched in 2018, but one eaglet died due to a rainstorm, while the other, named Stormy, survived and left Big Bear that summer. Mr. B and Jackie's partnership ended, and Shadow eventually took his place, becoming Jackie's mate. The pair had been together for nearly a decade and raised eight eaglets.
FOBBV noted on August 5 that the current season had been filled with "ups and downs, sad times and good times," but that Jackie, Shadow, Sandy, and Luna had brought immense joy. As Jackie received treatment, her eaglets, Sandy and Luna, were last seen on the cam on July 23, apparently having ventured into the wild.
Jackie's partner, Shadow, is reportedly on his "summer vacation" and may still be seen on camera occasionally. However, fans have expressed concern following the appearance of a new young female eagle, believed by some to be the one that attacked Jackie, perched with Shadow. Social media users have nicknamed this new eagle "Jolene," referencing the Dolly Parton song. While wildlife professionals object to the nickname, they acknowledge the new eagle's interest in Shadow. Jenny Voisard, a spokeswoman for Friends of Big Bear Valley, observed that the new eagle is "gravitating towards him," perhaps sensing his appeal.
Experts believe Shadow may not be ready to move on from his long-term relationship with Jackie, given their decade-long partnership and shared eaglets.
