Jackie, Big Bear's beloved bald eagle, dies after weeks of intensive care

Jackie, the bald eagle who became an unlikely global celebrity through a round-the-clock nest camera operated by Big Bear's own Friends of Big Bear Valley nonprofit, died in the early morning hours of August 10, 2026[1]. She was approximately 14 years old.

Jackie had spent nearly a month receiving treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center in Ventura County after she was found grounded in mid-July following a fight with two other young adult eagles[1]. The wildlife center announced her passing on its Facebook page that same morning, saying her condition had "continued to deteriorate despite intensive treatment" and that she had remained critically ill, receiving oxygen therapy and around-the-clock monitoring in its intensive care unit[1].

No official cause of death was given. Jackie had been suffering from anemia — a reduction in her red blood cell count — and veterinarians had been investigating what triggered the condition[1]. Weeks before her death, she had undergone a late-night blood transfusion that the Ojai Raptor Center described as "life-saving," a hopeful sign that ultimately could not reverse her decline[1].

Jackie's remains have been transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Ojai Raptor Center said it is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and that a more comprehensive statement — including details on her treatments and test results — will follow[1]. The underlying cause of her anemia remains under investigation.

For Big Bear Valley, Jackie was far more than a bird. She was born in 2012 to two local eagles named Ricky and Lucy by the U.S. National Forest Service, and she fledged that same summer[1]. When Friends of Big Bear Valley installed its first livestream camera in October 2015, she eventually made the nest her home — and her daily life became appointment viewing for millions[1]. The nonprofit's social media following has since grown to approximately 2.4 million people, including more than 1 million on its main Facebook page[1].

Jackie's 2026 eaglets, Sandy and Luna, had already fledged safely and were last seen on July 23[1] — meaning she successfully raised another generation before her final weeks of illness.

Friends of Big Bear Valley Media Manager Jenny Voisard called the loss devastating, noting that 2026 had already been an extraordinarily painful year for the organization: Jackie's first egg clutch of the season was destroyed by ravens, and the nonprofit's executive director, Sandy Steers, died in February[1].

The San Bernardino County Fire Department, which first responded when Jackie was found grounded, shared its condolences on social media, writing: "While we had all hoped for a different outcome, it was inspiring to see our community and people around the world come together with such compassion and concern for her well-being"[1].

Wildlife investigators have not yet released findings on the cause of Jackie's anemia. Residents and fans can watch for a full statement from the Ojai Raptor Center and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife once testing is complete. For updates from Friends of Big Bear Valley, visit friendsofbigbearvalley.org or the nonprofit's Facebook page.