Jackie, Big Bear Valley's beloved bald eagle, dies at Ojai Raptor Center

Jackie, the bald eagle who became a symbol of wildlife recovery at Big Bear Lake and a global livestream sensation, died in the overnight hours of August 9 at the Ojai Raptor Center, where she had been receiving end-of-life care[1]. She had been battling health issues in the days before her death[1].

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Jackie died as a result of a blood clot and failing blood values[1]. A reaction from the Friends of Big Bear Valley — the organization that had the closest ongoing relationship with Jackie through the nest camera program — could not be confirmed at the time of publication.

Jackie's story began reaching a worldwide audience in October 2015, when the Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a livestream nest camera near Big Bear Lake, giving viewers an intimate, around-the-clock window into the life of wild eagles[1]. Beginning in 2018, people around the world tuned in to watch as Jackie and her mate, Shadow, hatched and raised eaglets season after season[1]. For several years, the pair were the only year-round bald eagle residents at Big Bear Lake — a remarkable distinction in a region that has seen the species make a slow but steady comeback[1].

Jackie's passing closes a chapter for the Big Bear Valley community and for the millions of viewers who followed her life on camera. Residents and fans are encouraged to check the Friends of Big Bear Valley's official channels for information on any memorial tributes or updates on Shadow and the nest's future.