Jackie the Bald Eagle: A Beloved Icon Loses Her Life at 14

Published Aug 10, 2026 4:23 PM EDT

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Jackie, a majestic bald eagle with a devoted internet following, sadly lost her life on August 10 in Ojai, California, while under the care of the Ojai Raptor Center. The news was announced by the center, and it was shared by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit organization that closely monitors the eagles of Big Bear Valley.

The Ojai Raptor Center disclosed that Jackie's condition had worsened despite intensive treatment and the collaboration of veterinarians and consulting specialists over several days. She was critically ill, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring in the intensive care unit. Throughout her time at the Ojai Raptor Center, every decision made was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and the responsibility to act in her best interest.

Jacqueline, fondly known as Jackie, was born and lived in Big Bear Valley in southern California. Prior to the 2011-2012 nesting season, no bald eagle chicks had been known to hatch in Big Bear Valley. This remarkable fact was the beginning of her incredible journey. Jackie was born to parents Ricky and Lucy in 2012 and was named after a forest ranger.

During the 2016-2017 nesting season, Jackie took over a nest where Friends of Big Bear Valley had a camera stationed. In 2018, she successfully raised two chicks named Stormy and Big Bear Baby (or BBB) with her first mate, Mr. B. However, her long-time partner Shadow made an appearance in the summer of 2018 and would not leave. The eagle's plumage indicated that Shadow was one year older than the other Shadow and not Jackie's sibling, but the name stuck.

Shadow continued to hold his ground, and Mr. B eventually gave up and left the area. Jackie then accepted Shadow as her new mate. The pair's life together was documented by wildlife cameras, giving viewers a unique glimpse into the brutality and beauty of nature.

The pair successfully raised chicks in 2019 (Cookie and Simba) and 2022 (Spirit). Unfortunately, the pair's eggs failed to hatch in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, Jackie laid three eggs that all hatched in early March. However, a strong snowstorm dumped up to two feet of snow, battered the nest with strong winds, and only two of the chicks (Sunny and Gizmo) survived.

In January, Jackie laid two eggs in the nest, but ravens destroyed them. She later laid two more eggs that hatched in April and were named Luna and Sandy in honor of FOBBV's former executive director Sunny who passed away from cancer in February.

On July 17, Jackie was found injured on the ground near Dana Point Park in Ojai, California. Cell phone video from a witness showed that she had an altercation with two other subadult eagles. She successfully fended off the other eagles by turning over and using her talons, but she could not fly far due to her weakened state.

The Ojai Raptor Center received Jackie for care, and her diagnosis revealed that she had severe anemia. Her anemia worsened during the first week of August, and the center stated that she was in an unstable condition on August 9. Her packed cell volume (PCV) fell below six percent before rising to nine percent.

Jacqueline's resilience inspired millions of people worldwide with her ability to overcome adversity. As a symbol of hope and resilience, she has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley accepts donations to support its conservation efforts in the area. To honor Jackie's memory, you can help the rescue organization by donating to the Ojai Raptor Center's Bald Eagle Recovery Campaign.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to share updates from The Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of Big Bear Valley as they become available.

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Laura is Popular Science's news editor, overseeing coverage of a wide variety of subjects. Laura is particularly fascinated by all things aquatic, paleontology, nanotechnology, and exploring how science influences daily life.

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