Sandy and Luna leave Big Bear Valley as Jackie fights illness at Ojai rehab center

Big Bear Valley's beloved bald eagle family is scattered across Southern California this August. Jackie and Shadow's 2026 eaglets, Sandy and Luna, were last spotted on the FOBBV live nest camera on July 23, and Friends of Big Bear Valley announced on August 6 that the 17-week-old birds have likely set out on their own journeys[1].

Because Sandy and Luna were never banded, there is no way to track where they go from here[1]. FOBBV says the pair may occasionally drift back into view on the nonprofit's cameras, but followers should not expect regular sightings. It's worth noting that the road ahead is not easy for young eagles — only about 70 percent of bald eagle fledglings survive, with vehicle collisions while scavenging roadkill among the most common causes of injury and death[1].

While the eaglets venture out, their mother Jackie remains in care far from home. She was found on the ground near Dana Point Park on July 17 after a confrontation with two subadult eagles left her unable to fly[1]. LA County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue retrieved her and transferred her to the Ojai Raptor Center — more than 100 miles from Big Bear Valley — where she has been diagnosed with anemia that has been worsening in recent days[1].

The outpouring of concern from Jackie's worldwide following has come with a complicated side effect. An online petition demanding public updates on Jackie's condition has circulated widely, but FOBBV is urging fans not to sign it. "None of us are entitled to any information, this petition does nothing for Jackie, hinders her care team and only heightens people's anxiety over the situation," FOBBV wrote[1]. The organization is asking supporters to let the Ojai Raptor Center focus on getting Jackie healthy enough to return to Big Bear Valley.

On a brighter note for local conservation, FOBBV recently hit a milestone: the organization reached its $10 million fundraising goal to purchase protected land around Big Bear Lake, thanks in part to a $5.5 million donation from Anna and Greg Brockman that pushed the campaign across the finish line ahead of its deadline[1].

Updates on Jackie's recovery will continue to come through the Ojai Raptor Center and FOBBV's official social media channels. Residents and fans who want to support her care can donate to the Ojai Raptor Center's Bald Eagle Recovery Campaign directly through the center's website.

Note: The Ojai Raptor Center's veterinary staff have not issued an independent public statement on Jackie's prognosis; all details about her condition in this story come through FOBBV. Big Bear News is seeking direct comment from ORC.