Big Bear bald eagle Jackie, made famous by a 24/7 webcast operated by the environmental nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, died in the early morning hours of Aug. 10.
She died away from her nest and apart from her eaglets and mate. But the beloved bird of prey was never alone.
People from across several continents tuned in to the livestream by phone or television, elevating the raptor to celebrity status and weaving the happenings at a nest atop a pine tree into the daily ritual of people’s lives. For nearly a month, a congregation of virtual bird watchers shifted their attention from the nest to a Ventura County-based wildlife center that was caring for Jackie after she was found grounded in mid-July following a fight with two other young adult eagles.
Ojai Raptor Center, the rescue and rehab site administering medical care for Jackie, updated its Facebook page on Monday, Aug. 10, saying the cherished raptor had “passed away.” A cause of death was not given. She had been suffering from anemia and veterinarians had been looking into what may have caused the condition reducing her count of red blood cells.
“Over the past several days, her condition continued to deteriorate despite intensive treatment and the combined efforts of our veterinary team and consulting specialists. She remained critically ill, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring in our intensive care unit,” the Ojai post reads.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member