🐦 📷 ✒️ April A. Severin

Jackie, the famous bald eagle of Big Bear Valley, has died at the age of 14. She received oxygen therapy, round the clock care, and a blood transfusion from another eagle. Even so, it was not enough to save her. Jackie, the bald eagle followed by viewers around the world through Big Bear’s live nest camera, died early on August 10 at age 14 after more than three weeks of treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center. Her final illness began as a mystery. In mid July, Jackie was seen in an apparent altercation with two younger eagles. She was later found weak, underweight, and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake before being taken in for specialized care. Tests revealed severe anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys. Anemia reduces the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body. At one point, red blood cells made up less than 6 percent of her blood volume. A transfusion from another bald eagle temporarily improved her condition, but her blood values later declined again. Nine veterinarians, along with state and federal wildlife officials, helped evaluate her. Lead poisoning, swallowed metal, and obvious cancer were reportedly ruled out. She was also treated for possible rodenticide poisoning, although caregivers did not believe it was the primary cause. The underlying illness remained unknown when she died. Jackie’s story began in 2012, when she became the first known bald eagle to hatch in Big Bear Valley. Her parents were the first known adult eagles to remain there year round. After the nest camera went live, viewers watched Jackie build nests, incubate eggs, endure snowstorms, and raise young. She and her longtime mate, Shadow, shared eight eaglets, including Sandy and Luna in 2026. Jackie’s remains are now in the care of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. She became far more than a viral wildlife star. Jackie gave millions of people an unfiltered view of the risks, resilience, and uncertainty of life in the wild.