Ontario Tower Buzzers Schedule 'Fly High, Jackie Night' to Honor Late Bald Eagle

Key points

• The Ontario Tower Buzzers, a single-A minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, will host 'Fly High, Jackie Night' at ONT Field on August 23 in partnership with Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV).
• Fifty percent of proceeds from special event tickets will be donated to FOBBV, the nonprofit responsible for the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam that made Jackie a global celebrity.
• Jackie died on August 10, 2026, at approximately 14 years old, after more than three weeks of intensive medical treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center for severe anemia, emaciation, and dehydration.
• Her illness began after she was found grounded on July 18 following an altercation with two subadult bald eagles near Big Bear Lake; a necropsy by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is pending, and her remains are to be transferred to the National Eagle Repository.
• Jackie and her mate Shadow had been together since 2018, raising 10 eaglets from 25 eggs over the years, and their livestream helped FOBBV raise $10 million in conservation funding, including a $5.5 million donation from Greg and Anna Brockman to protect 63 acres of shoreline.

Background

Jackie’s death on August 10 followed weeks of intensive care at the Ojai Raptor Center after she was rescued on July 18 from Big Bear Lake following an altercation with other eagles. Our earlier coverage noted that veterinarians identified severe anemia and emaciation but could not determine the underlying cause despite extensive testing, including CT scans and a bone marrow biopsy. Her global fame stemmed from the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s livestream, which allowed millions to watch her and Shadow raise eaglets and endure snowstorms. The nonprofit had previously raised nearly $5 million from over 25,000 donations to purchase 63 acres of land known as Moon Camp, a key ecological corridor on Big Bear Lake, with an additional $5.5 million donation from Greg and Anna Brockman to permanently conserve the area.

How outlets are covering it

KTLA and CBS News both reported on the Ontario Tower Buzzers’ 'Fly High, Jackie Night' event on August 23, emphasizing the partnership with Friends of Big Bear Valley and the donation of 50% of ticket proceeds. KTLA described the event as a tribute to a 'local legend,' while CBS News highlighted Jackie’s role in shining a light on eagle conservation in Southern California. The Guardian focused on the emotional impact of Jackie’s death, noting that fans worldwide shared personal stories of how watching her and Shadow helped them through difficult times, and framed her legacy as a pioneer for nonprofit fundraising and public connection to nature. KCRA reported that Shadow was spotted with a new eagle, KD1, just one day after Jackie’s death, noting that this is not unusual for bald eagles and that breeding season in California typically runs from January through July or August. The outlets differ in emphasis: KTLA and CBS focus on the upcoming tribute event, The Guardian highlights the emotional and conservation legacy, and KCRA reports on Shadow’s new pairing.

Why it matters

Jackie’s death underscores the power of livestream wildlife media to drive conservation funding and public engagement. The tribute event by the Ontario Tower Buzzers demonstrates how local sports teams can support environmental causes, while the $10 million raised by Friends of Big Bear Valley, including the Brockman donation, shows how online fame can translate into tangible land protection. Jackie’s legacy as a conservation ambassador and the ongoing presence of Shadow with a new mate highlight the resilience of wildlife and the enduring impact of public connection to nature.

What to watch

The Ontario Tower Buzzers will host 'Fly High, Jackie Night' on August 23 at ONT Field, with 50% of ticket proceeds going to Friends of Big Bear Valley. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is expected to release findings from Jackie’s necropsy, and her remains will be transferred to the National Eagle Repository in accordance with federal law. Friends of Big Bear Valley has indicated it may hold additional gatherings to honor Jackie, and fans will continue to watch Shadow, now paired with KD1, via the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam.