Jackie, the well-known bald eagle from California’s Big Bear Valley, died on August 10, 2026, after several weeks of intensive care at the Ojai Raptor Center [1, 2, 3]. She was 14 years old.
The eagle was admitted on July 15 after being found weak and unable to fly following attacks by two younger eagles, which led to her rescue [2]. Jackie suffered from severe anemia and significant weight loss, but despite extensive tests including CT scans and bone marrow biopsies, the exact cause of her illness remained undetermined [1, 2]. The Ojai Raptor Center said her condition steadily worsened despite "intensive treatment and the combined efforts of our veterinary team and consulting specialists" [1].
Jackie was a beloved figure known worldwide through the Big Bear Eagle Nest livestream, which began in October 2015 featuring her parents Ricky and Lucy. Jackie herself hatched in spring 2012 and became a mate with Shadow in 2018. Since then, the pair raised several chicks, including Luna and Sandy, watched by hundreds of thousands to millions of viewers globally [1, 2, 3].
The community surrounding Jackie's nesting site launched a $10 million land conservation fund to protect 63 acres near the eagle nest, supported by the Friends of Big Bear Valley and notable donors [2].
Jackie’s remains were transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife following her death [1]. The Ojai Raptor Center expressed sorrow on social media, stating: "We know this news will be deeply felt by the many thousands of people around the world who have followed her journey... Our team is heartbroken. It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her" [2].
