See Jackie’s death brings TikTok to tears
Fans mourn Jackie the bald eagle of Big Bear Valley, as heartfelt tributes pour in for her and longtime mate Shadow.
Jackie, the beloved California bald eagle, died this week, and her fans across the country are mourning her loss.
The 14-year-old eagle died while being rehabilitated at the Ojai Raptor Center in California. She had been rescued after an “altercation” with two subadult eagles on July 17.
The center announced her death in an update Aug. 10.
“It is with profound sadness that we share that Patient 26-519 passed away in the early hours of this morning, following more than three weeks of intensive medical care,” the center wrote in a Facebook post. “Our team is heartbroken. It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her.”
The rescue center is based in Mira Monte, California, about 170 miles from the bald eagle’s nest in Big Bear Valley. The center had previously said Jackie was “critically ill” and unstable before she died.
Friends of Big Bear Valley, the organization that operates the eagle cam which starred Jackie, her mate Shadow and their eaglets, acknowledged the enormous loss on Facebook.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts to bring you the latest update from Ojai Raptor Center,” the organization said. “Please be kind to yourself, to others, to the FOBBV team and to those at the Ojai Raptor Center…Soar free Jackie…”
Fans mourn Jackie
Chris Meinberg, a fan of the bald eagle, commented on the center’s post, stating Jackie passed away in a “safe environment instead of having to face the elements and other predators that could have made her last days so much more unbearable.”
He continued, saying he was grateful that the raptor center cared for Jackie, especially in her final moments.
“They did their best and acknowledged how important she was to so many people. And I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
Jamie Danusis, another Jackie fan, added that Jackie’s fame helped secure millions to save her habitat for future generations of eagles.
In July, Friends of Big Bear Valley announced that they’d secured $10 million to protect the 63 acres of forested open space and shoreline encompassing where Jackie and Shadow lived and raised their eaglets.
“Jackie gave her all to raise two last eaglets this year,” said Danusis. “May we all make such a positive and impactful difference in the lives of others as she did during the 10 years the world watched her.”
Fan Annie Woods-Hurm noted that one of Jackie’s greatest contributions was establishing the community that gathered to watch her.
“Her purpose was great and she served it with profound strength,” said Woods- Hurm. “She helped replenish the Bald Eagle population, brought thousands of people together, gave us hope and enjoyment.”
When did Jackie fall ill?
Jackie was discovered to be ill following the altercation. Though she managed to defend herself, rescuers later found her on the ground near Dana Point Park.
After being taken to the center, staff said her “initial bloodwork” showed she was experiencing “severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys.” Based on the test results, veterinary staff started “supportive treatment based on the information available.”
Veterinarians spent weeks attempting to diagnose her condition before she died.
When did Jackie become famous?
Born in 2012, Jackie was the first eaglet to hatch in Big Bear Valley. Her parents, Ricky and Lucy, were the first adult bald eagles who decided to stay in the valley, USA TODAY previously reported.
During her life, Jackie had 10 chicks. The latest, Sandy and Luna, hatched this year and fledged the nest earlier this summer.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com.