Heartbreaking News from the Ojai Raptor Center
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. 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.
A Fierce Territorial Battle
New video shared with FOX 11 reveals that Jackie was involved in a territorial clash with two subadult bald eagles near Big Bear Lake. Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but was unable to fly away. Jackie had been in the care of the raptor center since July 17, when she was transferred following rescue by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team.
Battling Severe Anemia and Medical Setbacks
According to the Ojai Raptor Center’s July 21 update, ‘Initial bloodwork’ showed the eagle ‘is experiencing severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys.’ Veterinarians previously performed a life-saving blood transfusion using blood donated by another female bald eagle named Spirit, a resident at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield. Extensive diagnostic testing has already ruled out several major causes, including lead poisoning, cancer, and metal foreign objects such as fishing hooks. Over the past several days, her condition continued to deteriorate despite intensive treatment and the combined efforts of our veterinary team and consulting specialists.
A Legacy in Big Bear Valley
Jackie, who is estimated to be 14 years old… famously known from the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam in Big Bear Valley… mothered several eaglets to fledging with Shadow, including Simba, Spirit, Sunny, Gizmo Her chicks, Sandy and Luna, fledged around August 1. Meanwhile, back at Big Bear Valley, her mate Shadow has taken full responsibility for feeding and protecting their two eaglets… doing fantastic, exploring farther out around their habitat and returning to the nest daily.
The 63 acres of shoreline forest below Jackie and Shadow’s nest was supposed to become 50 luxury homes and a marina. It won’t, because Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s co-founder and president, and his wife Anna wrote a $5.5 million cheque with days left on the clock… Twenty-five thousand small donors got halfway there, then Brockman’s finished the job.
Final Care and Next Steps
She remained critically ill, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring in our intensive care unit. 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. Her remains have been transferred into the care of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Leo Falsafi is a digital marketing veteran and senior journalist at Virlan.co, where he covers the intersection of digital marketing, gaming, and breaking US trending news. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience in SEO and digital strategy, Leo has consulted for and scaled hundreds of companies. His deep industry roots allow him to deliver sharp, fact-checked insights and analysis on the trends shaping today’s digital landscape.
