Bald Eagle Patient 26-519

California Department of Fish and Wildlife News Release

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is saddened to share that Patient 26-519, the bald eagle from Big Bear Valley known as Jackie died in the overnight hours of August 9, 2026, while receiving intensive medical care at the Ojai Raptor Center. Despite periods of temporary improvement and extensive efforts by wildlife rehabilitation experts and veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center, Jackie’s condition ultimately continued to deteriorate after more than three weeks of intensive medical care.

In recent days, Jackie experienced additional health challenges, including a large blood clot in her wing and kidney, as well as another decline in her blood values.

Jackie recently underwent additional diagnostic testing, including a contrast CT scan, bone marrow biopsy and specialized testing for heavy metals. Veterinarians at Ojai Raptor Center worked closely with specialists across the country to evaluate the available findings while some test results remained pending. Despite intensive treatment, her prognosis became increasingly poor.

Following a necropsy performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the eagle’s remains will be transported to the National Eagle Repository, a one-of-a-kind facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. The National Eagle Repository receives, evaluates, stores, and distributes eagle remains, parts, and feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes throughout the United States for religious, cultural, and ceremonial purposes. It also offers educational programs that promote understanding and conservation of bald and golden eagles.

“California mourns Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle who reminded us of the beauty and wonder of California’s wildlife, and our shared responsibility to protect the habitats that sustain it," said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We’re grateful to the Ojai Raptor Center and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who partnered with our California Department of Fish and Wildlife to help Jackie in her time of need."

“Millions of people who will never set foot near Big Bear have watched, for years, as this eagle and her mate raised eaglets, lost eggs, survived extreme weather, fought for their nest — and, most recently, as the eagle fought for her own life. Sharing her story inspired deep care in people and a broader understanding of why conservation matters,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “While this eagle's story has ended, the inspiration and the lessons she gave so many people won't be forgotten. Our hope is that they inspire greater efforts to protect the wild places eagles and other species need to live out their lives."

Jackie was first admitted to the Ojai Raptor Center on July 18, 2026, after being found grounded. An initial examination revealed Jackie was thin and dehydrated and suffering from severe anemia, low blood protein, and kidney and lung abnormalities.

Immediate veterinary treatment included fluids, oxygen therapy, nutritional support and intensive, round-the-clock monitoring.

On July 22, Jackie received a blood transfusion using donor blood from Spirit, an ambassador bald eagle at the California Living Museum (CALM) Zoo in Bakersfield. Veterinary specialists hoped the transfusion would stabilize her anemia, and while she initially showed temporary improvement, her packed cell volume declined again by August 3. Advanced diagnostic testing showed thrombosis in her wing and near one kidney.

“Throughout Jackie’s time at Ojai Raptor Center, every decision was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and our responsibility to do what was in her best interest,” said Chris Eksteen, Executive Director of the Center. “Though our team is heartbroken, it has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her.”

In summer 2012, Jackie became the first documented bald eagle chick hatched in Big Bear Valley. In October 2015, the Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a livestream nest camera that allowed people an intimate view of wild eagles in the nest. People around the world watched as Jackie and her mate, Shadow, hatched and raised their eaglets beginning in 2018. For several years, Jackie and Shadow were the only year-round bald eagle residents at Big Bear Lake.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is saddened by the passing of the beloved Big Bear Lake bald eagle, whose story captured the attention of people across the country and helped foster a deeper connection with wildlife,” said Paul Souza, Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Southwest Region. “The public’s connection to this eagle is a powerful reminder of why the conservation of bald eagles matters. We are grateful to our dedicated partners at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Ojai Valley Raptor Center for the compassion and expertise they provided throughout the eagle’s care.”

Jackie will be deeply missed by the dedicated wildlife rehabilitation staff, veterinary team, and thousands of people across the globe who spent hours watching and caring for her. CDFW is grateful for the lasting impact Jackie had on countless communities and all who cared for her.

###