Iconic California Bald Eagle Jackie Passes Away After Long Battle

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:45:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Jackie, the beloved online celebrity of Big Bear Valley, dies after intensive care by Ojai Raptor Center.

Jackie, a famed California bald eagle who captivated millions through a live webcam, died Monday following weeks of veterinary treatment. The bird had been nursing anemia and weight loss after an attack by other eagles, ultimately leading to a decline even under intensive care. Ojai Raptor Center, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, has released a statement detailing the care provided and the tragic outcome. Her legacy lives on for thousands of fans who streamed her nest with her mate Shadow. Officials plan a comprehensive follow‑up report about her treatment and surviving community impact.

Jackie, the beloved California bald eagle, passes away after intensive care

Jackie, the online star of the Big Bear Valley nest, succumbed to her illnesses on Monday, weeks after receiving relentless veterinary attention at the Ojai Raptor Center.

Jackie had been injured by rival eagles and faced anemia and appetite loss, a situation that even inspired hundreds of thousands of livestream viewers to support her recovery. Despite a dedicated team of veterinarians and specialists, her condition progressively worsened, leaving the center unable to reverse the decline.

The Ojai Raptor Center issued a heartfelt statement: "Over the past several days, her condition continued to deteriorate despite intensive treatment and the combined efforts of our veterinary team and consulting specialists." The statement also thanked supporters worldwide for their prayers, encouragement, and tangible aid.

Jackie and her mate Shadow had formed a bond in 2018, and their relationship became a staple among wildlife enthusiasts via the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, run by Friends of Big Bear Valley. The livestream drew millions of viewers, turning Jackie and Shadow into cultural icons across social media.

Expressing grief, the center announced that Jackie’s remains would be transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, in accordance with regulations for deceased raptors.

In a commitment to transparency, the Ojai Raptor Center is currently collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They intend to release a more detailed statement soon, providing insights into her treatment plans, test results, and the broader implications for raptor conservation programs.

For those who followed Jackie’s journey and wished to honor her memory, the next step is to gather community support for future raptor rehabilitation initiatives, ensuring that predators like Jackie receive the protections and care they deserve.