The Big Bear bald eagle known as Jackie has died following a three-week struggle with a severe, prolonged illness. The Ojai Raptor Center confirmed the news early Monday morning, noting that her condition worsened despite around-the-clock medical attention and intensive care.
Jackie became an international icon after the installation of the Big Bear nest camera in 2015. Millions of viewers from across the globe tracked her life in the San Bernardino National Forest, watching her raise multiple eaglets with her mate, Shadow. Her presence on the nest made her one of the most recognized wild animals on the internet.
Her health declined after a physical altercation with two subadult eagles near Big Bear Lake in mid-July. Rescuers from the San Dimas Raptor Rescue Team transported her to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she underwent extensive treatment, including a blood transfusion from a donor eagle. Despite these efforts, medical teams struggled to identify the root cause of her persistent anemia and kidney inflammation.
Following her death, her remains have been turned over to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The veterinary team described her care as a professional privilege and acknowledged the significant impact she had on her global audience. The future of the Big Bear nest remains uncertain as the community mourns the loss of the eagle who served as the face of the region for over a decade.