Farewell to Jackie: Big Bear’s Famous Bald Eagle Succumbs to Unknown Ailment

Jackie, the Big Bear Valley bald eagle whose nest livestream drew millions, died after weeks of care for a mysterious illness that caused severe anemia; despite extensive tests—CT scans and a bone marrow biopsy—veterinarians could not determine a cause, and her remains were transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The 14-year-old bird and her mate Shadow had raised several chicks over the years, and fans mourn her loss while Shadow’s future remains uncertain; the story also touched on fundraising to protect the eagles’ nesting area.