BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle whose fight for survival drew support from thousands of people around the world, died early Monday morning after more than three weeks of intensive medical care, the Ojai Raptor Center announced.
The rehabilitation center shared the heartbreaking news Monday, Aug. 10, identifying Jackie by her official patient designation, Bald Eagle patient 26-519.
“It is with profound sadness that we share that Patient 26-519 passed away in the early hours of this morning, following more than three weeks of intensive medical care,” the Ojai Raptor Center said in a written statement.
According to the center, Jackie’s condition continued to deteriorate over the past several days despite intensive treatment and the combined efforts of its veterinary team and consulting specialists.
She remained critically ill in the center’s intensive care unit, where she received oxygen therapy, supportive treatment and around the clock monitoring.
“Throughout her 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,” the organization said.
The announcement comes one day after the center reported that Jackie’s condition was unstable and extremely serious. Her packed cell volume, or PCV, had fallen below 6% Saturday before rising to 9% Sunday. Although the increase represented a small improvement, the center cautioned that the level remained critically low.
Jackie’s care was being evaluated by a collaborative team that included nine veterinarians, along with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
During more than three weeks of treatment, Jackie underwent extensive diagnostic testing as specialists worked to understand the cause of her illness. Her care included repeated bloodwork, advanced imaging, toxicology testing, a blood transfusion, a contrast CT scan and a bone marrow biopsy.
Despite those efforts, her condition ultimately continued to decline.
The Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie’s remains have now been transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The center is working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and CDFW and said a more comprehensive statement will be released with additional information about Jackie’s treatments and test results.
“We know this news will be deeply felt by the many thousands of people around the world who have followed her journey, hoped alongside us, prayed for her, and supported the people caring for her,” the center said.
Jackie became known around the world through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, where viewers followed her life with her longtime mate, Shadow, and their eaglets.
This season, Jackie and Shadow raised Sandy and Luna. Friends of Big Bear Valley recently said the two young eagles were last seen on camera July 23 and appeared to have left the valley to begin their journeys in the wild.
Jackie’s medical ordeal began in July after she was found grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake. She was eventually rescued and transported for specialized care before arriving at the Ojai Raptor Center.
Throughout her hospitalization, supporters closely followed updates as Jackie experienced periods of improvement and setbacks. The center repeatedly emphasized the seriousness and complexity of her condition while specialists from across the country assisted with her case.
On Monday, the Ojai Raptor Center said its staff is grieving the loss.
“Our team is heartbroken. It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her.”
The center asked the public for patience and kindness while its staff processes Jackie’s death. Comments were also turned off on the announcement to protect staff and the community during what the organization described as a difficult time.
The Ojai Raptor Center ended its announcement by thanking the people who supported Jackie and those caring for her throughout the past several weeks.
“To everyone who cared about Patient 26-519, thank you. Thank you for your messages, your prayers, your encouragement, and for standing beside our team throughout these past weeks. We are deeply grateful for the way Patient 26-519 brought people together through a shared love of wildlife.”
The Ojai Raptor Center said additional information regarding Jackie’s treatment and test results will be released in a forthcoming comprehensive statement.
Note to readers: If you value our reporting and want to see it continue, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your contribution helps keep independent, local news accessible to everyone. Support local news today!
