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EcologyCalifornia

Online star bald eagle Jackie passes away after intensive care

California raptor Jackie dies after weeks of treatment, leaving followers grieving.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read

In brief

Jackie, a bald eagle beloved by millions online, died on Monday after weeks of intensive veterinary care at the Ojai Raptor Center. The bird, who had been attacked by other eagles, suffered from anaemia and weight loss. Despite the dedicated efforts of a veterinary team and specialists, her condition worsened and she passed away. Jackie’s story had reached a global audience through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam and has become an emblem of wildlife conservation efforts. Her remains have been transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for further study.

Jackie, a bald eagle that captured the hearts of millions online, died on Monday after weeks of intensive veterinary treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center.

The bird had been taken into care after an attack by other eagles, and she had been suffering from anaemia and weight loss. Even with the dedicated efforts of a veterinary team and specialist consultants, her health continued to deteriorate, and ultimately she passed away.

Jackie lived in the Big Bear Valley nest with her partner Shadow, whose nest cam had garnered hundreds of thousands of subscribers worldwide. The camera, run by Friends of Big Bear Valley, had documented the pair since Jackie hatched in the spring of 2012 and continued to show their daily life up until her death.

The Ojai Raptor Center released a statement of heartbreak and gratitude, noting that caring for Jackie had been an extraordinary privilege and acknowledging the global community that followed her journey, prayed for her, and supported the team. The statement promised more detailed information about her treatments and test results after collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Jackie’s remains are now held by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for further study and conservation purposes.

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