Now Reading: Jackie, beloved Big Bear bald eagle, dies at 14
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Jackie, beloved Big Bear bald eagle, dies at 14
Jackie, the bald eagle who became an internet celebrity through Big Bear Valley livestreams, died early Monday after a prolonged illness, the Ojai Raptor Center said. She was 14. She had been…
The Story in Brief
Jackie, the bald eagle who became an internet celebrity through Big Bear Valley livestreams, died early Monday after a prolonged illness, the Ojai Raptor Center said. She was 14. She had been in intensive care for over three weeks after being found grounded near Big Bear Lake, suffering from severe anaemia and kidney inflammation. Her packed cell volume fell below 6 per cent despite a blood transfusion that briefly improved her condition.
Jackie, mate of the famous bald eagle Shadow, hatched in spring 2012 and raised multiple eaglets, including three in 2025. Her death marks the loss of one of California’s best-known wild eagles, representing the species’ recovery from DDT and habitat loss. Her remains have been transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for further analysis.
The Indian Opinion
The global mourning for Jackie is genuine, but some commentary risks over-humanising a wild animal or blaming her caretakers. In truth, despite around-the-clock veterinary care, wild eagles succumb to unknown diseases and natural frailty, the rescue team did everything possible. The critical question now: will the California Department of Fish and Wildlife find a cause for her severe anaemia and kidney inflammation? That answer could help protect other eagles in the region.
Sources (2): timesnownews.com, livemint.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
