Summary (tl;dr)

Jackie, the renowned bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, California, who captivated millions globally through a nest livestream, has died at approximately 14 years old after a weeks-long battle with a mysterious illness at the Ojai Raptor Center.

Essential Background

Jackie, a female bald eagle, gained international fame alongside her mate, Shadow, through a 24/7 livestream camera operated by the Friends of Big Bear Valley, a non-profit wildlife organization. The camera offered a unique window into their lives, allowing millions of viewers worldwide to witness their nesting seasons, the hatching and raising of eaglets, and their resilience through various challenges, including severe winter storms. Jackie was believed to be the first bald eagle chick hatched in Big Bear Valley in recent history, first coming to public attention around 2017.

The Full Story

Jackie's health concerns began in mid-July 2026 when she was found grounded and unable to fly near Dana Point Park, on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, following an altercation with two subadult eagles. Though the fight prompted her rescue, medical teams determined she was already suffering from an underlying illness, including severe anemia, emaciation, and kidney and lung abnormalities. She was subsequently transferred to the Ojai Raptor Center in Ojai, California, on July 18, 2026, for intensive medical care. Despite receiving round-the-clock treatment, including oxygen therapy, supportive care, diagnostic testing, and a blood transfusion, her condition continued to deteriorate. The Ojai Raptor Center announced her passing in the early hours of Monday, August 10, 2026, following more than three weeks of care. Her remains have since been transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and a necropsy was performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Following this, her remains will be transported to the National Eagle Repository for cultural and ceremonial purposes for federally recognized tribes.

Why It Matters

Jackie's decade-long journey, shared through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, transformed her into a symbol of wildlife and conservation, inspiring millions to appreciate and protect natural habitats. Her story became a living classroom, educating people of all ages about ecology, animal behavior, and the importance of conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. Her death has deeply saddened her vast fanbase and the conservation community, underscoring the delicate balance of nature and the ongoing efforts required to safeguard endangered species and their ecosystems.

Geographic Location

• Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, California, United States (habitat and rescue location of Jackie the eagle)
• Ojai Raptor Center, Ojai, Ventura County, California, United States (location where Jackie the eagle received intensive medical care and passed away)
• Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, United States (location where Jackie's remains were transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife)
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, San Diego County, California, United States (location where Jackie's necropsy was performed)
• National Eagle Repository, United States (final destination of Jackie's remains for religious, cultural, and ceremonial purposes)