She was known around the world as 'Jackie' from the Friends of Big Bear Valley live-stream nest cameras. 

While temporarily possessed for the purpose of rehabilitation at Ojai Raptor Center, ‘Jackie’ was identified by her patient number (Bald Eagle 26-519), the 519th intake of 2026. Assigning “Jackie” with this patient identifier is consistent with the conditions of their wildlife rehabilitation permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and their migratory bird rehabilitation permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Specifically, Title 14, California Code of Regulation, § 679.5. (a)(7) establishes the requirement: “Public Display. A rehabilitation animal shall only be depicted in a public facing photograph or video under conditions that are consistent with the natural life history and behaviors of that species or showing the animal receiving appropriate medical treatment and only publicly referenced by intake number, common species or scientific name”. Additionally, Ojai Raptor Center adheres to an internal staff policy that ensures consistent veterinary medical identification while emphasizing that wildlife remains wild.

She was found grounded near Big Bear Lake and unable to fly. Initial examination revealed severe anemia, emaciation, dehydration, abnormal kidney and lung findings, and other systemic health concerns requiring intensive care.

Eagle 26-519’s case brought together an unprecedented team of wildlife experts. 

Organizations involved included: 

• Ojai Raptor Center 

• Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (Ventura) 

• California Living Museum (CALM) Zoo 

• Scientific Advisory Council 

• Avian Veterinary specialists from across North America 

Treatments included: 

• Blood transfusion 

• Oxygen therapy 

• Intensive fluid therapy 

• Anti-parasitic medications 

• Nutritional support 

• CT imaging 

• Bone marrow biopsy 

• Specialized laboratory diagnostics 

• Steroid therapy 

• Continuous monitoring

Despite the significant efforts from specialists to administer care, medical treatment, and extensive testing, veterinarians did not identify one definitive cause for her poor condition and “Jackie’s” health continued to decline. Findings included severe regenerative anemia (low red blood cell count) , thrombosis (blood clots in both her wing and one kidney), liver abnormalities, lung abnormalities, and inadequate bone marrow response. After 23 days in treatment, she was no longer able to keep food down and experienced a significant decline in packed cell volume (PCV). She passed away naturally in the early morning hours of August 10, 2026. 

Release is only possible when an eagle can fly, hunt and survive independently, without medication. Her condition continued to decline despite aggressive treatment, leaving no realistic chance for successful release. A wildlife rehabilitation facility must evaluate a rehabilitation animal to determine if it can be released to the wild using strict non-releasability criteria. Specifically, “Jackie” was not in a condition that would have allowed her to survive in the wild; display the natural life history behavior of her species needed to survive in the wild; and it was not yet known if she had a disease of concern.

BAEA 26-519 was necropsied by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. 

Federal law requires that the remains of deceased bald and golden eagles be transferred to the National Eagle Repository (“Repository”).  The Repository evaluates, stores and prepares eagle remains, parts and feathers for distribution to enrolled members of federally recognized Native American Tribes, supporting spiritual and religious practices that have existed since Time Immemorial.  

To minimize wait times and to ensure applicants from all federally recognized Tribes have equal access to eagle remains, the Repository distributes remains, parts and feathers on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot reserve the remains, parts, or feathers from specific birds for individual applicants, applicants from specific areas of the country, or applicants enrolled with specific Tribes. The Repository only serves enrolled members of United States federally recognized Tribes and does not distribute eagle remains, parts, or feathers to other individuals or entities.

Per an update from the Friends of Big Bear Valley on August 8, eaglets “Sandy” and “Luna” were last seen via live-stream nest camera on July 23, 2026, indicating that they have successfully fledged and left the valley for their grand journey. Her mate, “Shadow” continues to be seen via live-stream camera occasionally. Big Bear Lake is about 7 miles long with 15 miles of shoreline. As a wild bald eagle, “Shadow” has plenty of habitat to perch, fly and hunt, and may leave the area at any time. From what we know about bald eagle social and breeding behavior, “Shadow” may take a new mate and will hopefully continue to breed successfully.

The average life span of a wild bald eagle is 15-25 years, although exceptional individuals have lived longer.

“Jackie” inspired millions of people to appreciate wildlife, conservation, and the importance of protecting healthy ecosystems. Her story encouraged curiosity and has raised awareness about the importance of stewardship of the natural world. Through her story, young people learned about ecology, animal behavior, conservation, veterinary medicine, and the difficult decisions involved in wildlife rehabilitation. Her life became a living classroom for students around the world. Her greatest legacy is the connection she created between people and the natural world. Further, her contribution to North America’s bald eagle population will carry on through her offspring. Since 2018, “Jackie” is known to have laid 25 eggs via live-stream nest camera, of which 10 eaglets were hatched and known as “BBB” and “Stormy”, “Cookie” and “Simba”, “Spirit”, “Misty”, “Sunny” and “Gizmo”,  and most recently, “Sandy” and “Luna”. 

Support a local conservation group. Donate or volunteer with a local conservation group, such as the Friends of Big Bear Valley that operates the live-stream nest cameras.

Support a local Wildlife Rehabilitator. Donate to a local wildlife rehabilitation facility, such as the Ojai Raptor Center. Some facilities may accept volunteers.

California Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund. Provide a tax-deductible donation via your State Income Tax Form 540, Line 439. Donations 100% fund the CDFW Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants Program which has awarded nearly $2 million dollars to wildlife rehabilitation facilities statewide.