Beloved SoCal Bald Eagle Dies, Sending Fans Worldwide Into Mourning

OJAI, CA — Jackie, a critically ill Big Bear bald eagle that drew global support during weeks of intensive medical care at Ojai Raptor Center, has died, the facility announced Monday afternoon.

The eagle, identified as Patient 26-519 by Ojai Raptor Center, passed away early Monday morning after more than three weeks of treatment, according to the facility.

Despite receiving round-the-clock monitoring, oxygen therapy, and supportive care in the center's intensive care unit, the bird's condition progressively deteriorated over the past several days, according to veterinary staff and consulting specialists.

The eagle's remains have been transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Center officials expressed deep gratitude to the thousands of supporters worldwide who followed the eagle's recovery effort, noting that staff are working closely with federal and state wildlife agencies to release a comprehensive report detailing the bird's treatment and medical test results.

"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," the center shared on social media. "We are deeply grateful for the way Patient 26-519 brought people together through a shared love of wildlife."

Friends of Big Bear Valley and Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam posted a short, poignant message to social media: "Soar free Jackie…"

The news brought an outpouring a sadness from Jackie supporters.

"Her purpose was great and she served it with profound strength," one person shared on social media. "She helped replenish the Bald Eagle population, brought thousands of people together, gave us hope and enjoyment. Most of all her life helped to save Big Bear. She used her time here well without even knowing it. She is loved and now its time for her to eternally be at rest and in peace."

Another wrote, "I hope her death can help the veterinary teams deal with future issues when they occur to these beautiful birds. Fly high Jackie."

Jackie was rescued nearly a month ago after being found grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake’s Dana Point Park. Members of the Los Angeles County San Dimas Raptor Rescue Team retrieved the approximately 14-year-old raptor before transferring her to the Ojai facility.

The bird's medical journey saw sharp fluctuations. After receiving a life-saving blood transfusion from a donor eagle, she showed signs of improvement and was moved out of the intensive care unit, where she had been receiving oxygen therapy, into a regular hospital care unit. Though her blood values temporarily stabilized, the root cause of her severe anemia remains unidentified despite extensive testing, which previously ruled out lead toxicosis and swallowed fishing tackle.

Jackie’s nest life above Big Bear Lake alongside her mate, Shadow, was watched by millions worldwide via a 24/7 livestream "Nest Cam" hosted by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Her global popularity recently inspired a major conservation victory when donors — including OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and his wife, Anna — contributed $5.5 million to purchase and protect the surrounding habitat around the nest from real estate development.

The bald eagle couple successfully raised two eaglets, Luna and Sandy, earlier this year. Both fledged in late June and are believed to be thriving in the wild.

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