It may have been well over a week since Jackie – the world-famous bald eagle from Big Bear – died but the tributes continue to flow in.
In mid-July, an eagle later identified as Jackie was found grounded and was attacked by two subadult eagles. The injured eagle was picked up by the Los Angeles County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue and taken to an unnamed specialty care facility. She was transferred to the Ojai Raptor Center on July 18.
An initial examination showed that Jackie – identified as Patient 26-519 – was dehydrated and suffering from severe anemia, low blood protein and kidney and lung abnormalities.
She was given fluids, oxygen therapy, nutritional support and round-the-clock monitoring.
On July 22, Jackie received a blood transfusion using donor blood from Spirit, an ambassador bald eagle at the California Living Museum Zoo in Bakersfield. The hope was that the transfusion would stabilize her anemia. Jackie showed temporary improvement but then her packed cell volume declined again by Aug. 3.
Further diagnostic testing – which included a contrast CT scan, a bone marrow biopsy and specialized testing for heavy metals – showed blood clots in her wing and near one kidney. Veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center worked with specialists across the country to evaluate the findings.
When asked if the altercation with the other eagles caused her illness, the Ojai Raptor Center said that “there is no evidence that the altercation caused her underlying illness and we found no injuries related to that interaction. Patient 26-519 was found grounded, unable to fly, underweight and already critically ill. The most likely causes of her grounding were her anemia and her weight loss. The younger eagles most likely attacked her because they thought she was sitting on prey, as prey stealing between eagles is common.”
After Jackie’s death on Aug. 9, Chris Eksteen, executive director of the center, released this statement: “Throughout Jackie’s time at Ojai Raptor Center, every decision was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare and our responsibility to do what was in her best interest. Though our team is heartbroken, it has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her.”
In the summer of 2012, Jackie was the first documented bald eagle chick to hatch in Big Bear Valley. Since the Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a livestream nest camera in October 2015, people from around the world have had an intimate view of wild eagles.
Jackie’s remains were transferred into the care of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW); a necropsy was to be performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Finally, Jackie’s remains were to be transported to the National Eagle Repository, a one-of-a-kind facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. The Repository receives, evaluates, stores and distributes eagle remains, parts and feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes throughout the U.S. for religious, cultural and ceremonial purposes.
This is a tradition as old as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which was enacted in 1940. When a bald eagle dies, its remains cannot be buried, mounted or thrown away. They are sacred. Under that act, the possession of eagle parts is strictly illegal for the general public.
“California mourns Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle who reminded us of the beauty and wonder of California’s wildlife and our shared responsibility to protect the habitats that sustain it,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We’re grateful to the Ojai Raptor Center and U.S. Fish and Wildlife, who partnered with our California Department of Fish and Wildlife to help Jackie in her time of need.”
And CDFW Director Meghan Hertel said that “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. Sharing her story inspired deep care in people and a broader understanding of why conservation matters.
“While this eagle’s story has ended,” Hertel said, “the inspiration and the lessons she gave so many people won’t be forgotten. Our hope is that they inspire greater efforts to protect the wild places eagles and other species need to live out their lives.”
Some have noted that Jackie died in the same year as Sandy Steers, the late executive director of the Friends of Big Bear Valley. Steers was passionate about the eagles nesting in Big Bear and often shared their stories. Some find comfort in thinking they may have been reunited after their deaths.
Even in death, Jackie will continue to serve a sacred purpose.
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