How Jackie the Big Bear Eagle's Legacy Can Help Native American Tribes

Jackie and Shadow, the Big Bear bald eagle couple, have been an international sensation as millions of people around the world watched them raise their eaglets through Nest Cam. This unique live-stream viewing experience has not only brought the birds to the forefront of the public gaze but also helped promote a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation. Christian Casarez reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.

In the aftermath of Jackie's death, California officials confirmed that a necropsy had been completed on the bird. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) revealed that Jackie suffered from a range of health challenges, including severe anemia, low blood protein, and abnormalities in her kidneys and lungs, which ultimately contributed to her passing during the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 9.

According to the CDFW, in the days leading up to her death, Jackie developed a large blood clot in her wing and kidney, and her blood values continued to decline. The necropsy, performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, has provided valuable insights into the health challenges faced by Jackie and other bald eagles. The National Eagle Repository, operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement, will now collect and distribute Jackie's remains and parts, including feathers, to members of federally recognized tribes for religious and cultural purposes.

Eagle feathers, wings, and other parts hold significant cultural and religious importance for many Native American tribes. These sacred items are used in various ceremonies, including healing rituals, marriage ceremonies, and prayer gatherings. As the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act generally prohibits people from collecting and possessing eagle parts, eligible tribal members can receive them through the National Eagle Repository, which helps to promote the preservation of Native American cultural heritage.

The remains of Jackie and other deceased eagles will also support educational programs that promote understanding and conservation of bald and golden eagles. As CDFW Director Meghan Hertel noted, 'Millions of people who will never set foot near Big Bear have watched, for years, as this eagle and her mate raised eaglets, lost eggs, survived extreme weather, fought for their nest – and, most recently, as the eagle fought for her own life.' This experience has inspired deep care in people and a broader understanding of the importance of conservation.

The study of bald eagle behavior, as seen in Jackie and Shadow, has contributed significantly to our understanding of these majestic birds. According to the National Eagle Center, bald eagles can live between 20 to 25 years in the wild, which means that Jackie was around 14 years old when she passed. Her estimated age is consistent with the average lifespan of bald eagles in the wild, but her remarkable life story is not without its unique elements.

Shadow, Jackie's partner, is estimated to be around 12 years old, and bald eagles can live up to 15 to 25 years. This means that there is a good chance that he could find a new mate and continue to thrive in his territory. Jenny Voisard, media manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley, notes that 'The chances are high that he would find a new mate.' She adds that 'We don't know what he's going to do exactly; we can't predict those outcomes, but there's a good chance that he would want to stay in the territory.'

Voisard also mentions that 'visiting eagles' have been spotted near the nest territory, which raises hopes that Shadow might find a new partner. However, it is unclear whether this will happen, and the future of the nest remains uncertain. Nevertheless, nature has a way of moving forward, and we can only watch and wait to see how this story unfolds.

Jackie and Shadow's love story began in 2018 when Shadow successfully displaced Jackie's then-mate, Mr. B, from the nest. Jackie subsequently accepted Shadow as her new mate, and the pair remained together until Jackie's recent health crisis. Their remarkable relationship is a testament to the enduring power of love and partnership in the natural world.

In conclusion, the legacy of Jackie the Big Bear eagle will continue to inspire and educate people about the importance of conservation and the interconnectedness of human and animal lives. Her remarkable life story serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of nature, and her passing will not be forgotten. As we move forward, we can only hope that her story will continue to inspire greater efforts to protect the wild places eagles and other species need to live out their lives.