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.
