Jackie, Famous California Bald Eagle, Dies at 14

Jackie, the bald eagle who became an internet sensation and a symbol of California's species recovery, died early Monday morning, August 10, 2026, after a weeks-long battle with a mysterious illness. She was 14 years old. The Ojai Raptor Center, where she had been receiving intensive care, announced her passing, stating her condition continued to deteriorate despite treatment.

The eagle was found grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake on July 17 following a fight with two other eagles. She was rescued and transferred to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she was diagnosed with severe anemia and inflamed kidneys. Despite receiving a blood transfusion, oxygen therapy, and around-the-clock monitoring in the intensive care unit, her health declined. The center noted that while the altercation likely left her grounded, it did not cause her underlying symptoms, and extensive tests could not determine the root cause of her critical illness.

Jackie and her mate, Shadow, were the stars of a nonstop livestream of their nest, installed by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley in 2015. The camera documented their life together for millions of viewers, from weathering winter storms to...