Beloved Big Bear Bald Eagle Jackie Passes Away After Three Weeks of Intensive Care

In a heartbreaking announcement, the Ojai Raptor Center shared the devastating news that Jackie, the cherished Big Bear bald eagle, has passed away after spending over three weeks in intensive care. The beloved bird was affectionately known to the public as Bald Eagle patient 26-519 and had captured the hearts of thousands of people worldwide through her captivating story and the support provided by numerous individuals. Jackie's medical ordeal began in July after she was discovered grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake. Despite receiving specialized care and extensive testing, her condition continued to deteriorate, ultimately leading to her passing.

According to the Ojai Raptor Center, Jackie's condition had been deteriorating over the past several days, with her packed cell volume, or PCV, remaining critically low despite intensive treatment. Her care was being monitored closely by a collaborative team consisting of nine veterinarians, along with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Specialists had worked tirelessly to understand the cause of her illness, conducting repeated bloodwork, advanced imaging, toxicology testing, a blood transfusion, a contrast CT scan, and a bone marrow biopsy. Unfortunately, their efforts were unable to halt the decline in her health, ultimately leading to her passing.

The Ojai Raptor Center expressed its gratitude to the thousands of individuals who had supported Jackie throughout her medical journey. The center acknowledged the shared love and connection that Jackie had brought to people worldwide, bringing the community together during her three-week-long ordeal. Throughout her time at the center, Jackie's welfare and medical evidence guided the decisions made by the team. Unfortunately, despite their dedicated care, Jackie's condition continued to worsen, highlighting the complexity and challenges of wildlife medical care.

The center also recognized the extraordinary efforts of the various specialists and organizations involved in Jackie's care, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Their collective collaboration and expertise had been invaluable in providing the best possible care for Jackie, even in the face of adversity. The Ojai Raptor Center has announced that additional information regarding Jackie's treatment and test results will be released in a forthcoming comprehensive statement, providing a more detailed account of her medical journey.

In a final poignant statement, the Ojai Raptor Center acknowledged the passing of Jackie and expressed its support to those grieving the loss. The organization is known for its dedication to providing exceptional care to injured and orphaned raptors, and Jackie's passing has undoubtedly had a profound impact on the community. Jackie's medical ordeal had captivated the hearts of thousands, and her passing serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and sacrifices that wildlife medical care often entails.

“Our team is heartbroken,” the Ojai Raptor Center said in a heartfelt statement. “It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her.” The center asked for patience, kindness, and respect as they process the loss of this beloved bird, ensuring that everyone can continue to support the important work they do. Comments were disabled on the announcement to protect the staff and the community during this sensitive time.

The Ojai Raptor Center expressed its sincere gratitude to all who had supported Jackie and those caring for her. Thanking people for their messages, prayers, encouragement, and continued support has been a source of comfort during this difficult time. The shared love for wildlife and the efforts of the Ojai Raptor Center team have been a testament to the impact that Jackie had on this community, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

The legacy of Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, will continue to be felt in the hearts of the public and the Ojai Raptor Center team. As they move forward, the center will work towards its mission of providing exceptional care to injured and orphaned raptors, driven by the values of compassion, expertise, and dedication to delivering the best possible outcomes for these amazing creatures. Jackie's story and the shared love that her family and fans had for her are a powerful reminder of the importance of caring for and protecting our natural world.

The Ojai Raptor Center asked for patience during this incredibly difficult time, allowing them to process the loss of this cherished bird and come to terms with the loss. This has undoubtedly been a trying time for the entire community, and Jackie's passing serves as an poignant reminder of the interconnectedness and shared love that brings people together through their shared experiences. Jackie may be gone, but her memory will live on, inspiring future generations to cherish and protect our wildlife for years to come.