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

PCV (packed cell volume) measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Because Patient 26-519 had severe anemia, her PCV was an important way to monitor her condition and response to treatment. However, it was only one of many factors our veterinary team considered. While her anemia and slow production of new blood cells were clearly disabling her, we are still waiting on results from more comprehensive tests on her bone marrow.

Her severe anemia required a blood transfusion to increase the red blood cells available to carry oxygen throughout her body. The blood was donated by Spirit, a Bald Eagle residing at CALM in Bakersfield.

A transfusion provides temporary support but does not correct the underlying cause of anemia. Additional transfusions carry risks, and the same donor cannot be used safely repeatedly without allowing adequate time for their red blood cells to recover. So the decision to transfuse is based on the patient's overall condition, not simply a PCV number.

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 evening hours of August 9, 2026. 

Severe anemia is a finding, not a diagnosis. Testing was necessary to determine why she was anemic and critically ill. Some diagnostic tests could only be considered once other possible causes had been ruled out, while others needed to be interpreted alongside earlier results. As new information became available, it helped our veterinary team and consulting specialists determine which tests were appropriate next and guide her ongoing care.

There is no evidence that the altercation caused her underlying illness and we found no injuries related to that interaction. Patient 26-519 was found grounded, unable to fly, underweight and already critically ill. 

Her diagnostics identified severe anemia and other significant medical abnormalities, but no traumatic injuries that explained her condition. It is possible that, already weakened by illness, she was less able to defend herself during the altercation. 

The most likely causes of her grounding were her anemia and her weight loss. The younger eagles most likely attacked her because they thought she was sitting on prey, as prey stealing between eagles is common.

Yes - time in rehabilitation/human care is stressful for all wildlife. Our care protocols and policies are centered around minimizing stress. This means limiting handling as much as possible. We also batch medicating, testing, feeding, and fluid therapy as much as we can.

When wildlife is in rehabilitation, we try to limit sensory input to reduce stress. Quiet, dark spaces are the most beneficial environments for raptors, as they allow them to rest and recuperate. To the second question - there has been evidence of behavioral changes in raptors in captivity who have had mate loss and we do believe that pairs in the wild would register that their mate is not present. We can't speak to the emotion of missing their mate, as the behavioral science is just not there like it is with pets or people.

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.

A necropsy (the animal equivalent of an autopsy) allows veterinary pathologists to investigate disease at a much deeper level than is possible in a living animal. They can examine entire organs and collect samples from many different tissues for microscopic examination and specialized testing.

These tests may look for infections, toxins, heavy metals, or changes within individual tissues and cells. Some can take days or even weeks to complete, and one finding may lead to additional testing.

Once results are available, pathologists compare them with Patient 26-519’s medical history, bloodwork, imaging, and other diagnostic findings to build the most complete picture possible.

We know many people are eager for answers. We are too. But careful investigation takes time, and we want to allow the specialists involved to complete their work before conclusions are shared.

We are a small non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organization and, like all other wildlife rehabilitation agencies, we are regulated by multiple agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has the authority over the special designations of both Bald and Golden Eagles, including remains going to the repository.

What happens to the remains of any of our patients is guided by CDFW and USFWS permit regulations and we must respect and adhere to those regulations.

We also respect the repository's policy and purpose.

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.

While 91 patients may sound like a large number, not every patient requires the same level of care. Some are in intensive medical treatment, while others are displaced youngsters growing and developing, recovering from fracture repairs or illnesses, or building the strength and skills needed for release.

Ojai Raptor Center treats more than 1,000 patients each year, and during our busiest season it is not unusual to have well over 100 patients in care at one time. On June 10, 2026, for example, we reached 128 patients.

As a specialized raptor rehabilitation facility, we also receive patients from other rehabilitation centers for final conditioning before release. Our specialized enclosures, including our 233-foot flight enclosure (one of the longest in California) allow rehabilitated raptors to rebuild strength, practice hunting and develop the flight skills necessary to return successfully to the wild.