Scammers exploit Jackie's death with fake memorial merchandise, Ojai Raptor Center warns

Just days after Big Bear's beloved bald eagle Jackie died on Monday, August 10, 2026, opportunists began selling unauthorized merchandise bearing her image — and some sellers are falsely claiming the proceeds benefit the wildlife center that worked to save her[1].

The Ojai Raptor Center, the Ventura County facility that cared for Jackie for nearly a month after she was grounded following a fight with two other eagles in mid-July, issued a clear warning on Thursday, August 13[1]. "Ojai Raptor Center does not sell patient merchandise," the center stated on Facebook. "We have an official online shop where we sell Ojai Raptor Center merchandise, but we do not create or sell merchandise featuring Jackie or any other individual patient."[1] The center directed fans to purchase only through its official shop.

Jackie's cause of death remains unknown, though the center reported she had been suffering from anemia — a condition that reduced her red blood cell count — at the time of her passing[1].

Where to buy legitimate Jackie merchandise

For fans wanting to honor Jackie through legitimate channels, Friends of Big Bear Valley — the local nonprofit that operates the 24/7 eagle nest livestream — is the place to go, though stock has been strained by overwhelming demand. The group sold out of nearly all Jackie- and Shadow-related merchandise within 24 hours of her death being announced[1]. Friends spokesperson Jenny Voisard said more than 2,000 orders were placed in the week of Jackie's death, including 1,116 orders on August 10 alone[1]. The nonprofit is actively restocking and says many orders are already on their way.

Life goes on at the nest

Meanwhile, viewers of the nest webcam have a new eagle to watch. A younger bald eagle named KD1 — named by the Orange County Water District and thought to be female — has been spotted visiting Shadow at the Big Bear Lake nest since Jackie's passing[1]. It is not nesting season, and what the relationship between KD1 and Shadow may become remains to be seen.

To shop authentic Friends of Big Bear Valley merchandise, visit friendsofbigbearvalley.org. To learn more about the Ojai Raptor Center, visit ojairaptorcenter.org.