Jackie, the California bald eagle who became an internet sensation, dies after illness

Jackie, the renowned bald eagle from California who captured the hearts of internet users across the globe, passed away on Monday following a prolonged illness. For over a decade, nature enthusiasts closely monitored her life via a live video feed, witnessing her yearly nesting rituals at a tree near Big Bear Lake, nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley set up the nest camera in 2015, chronicling the highs and lows of each breeding season. In 2024, Jackie demonstrated immense dedication by remaining on her eggs for an extended period of more than two and a half days due to a winter storm that left the nest covered in snow.

Tragically, Jackie was discovered to be sick by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team on July 17. It was determined that she had been involved in a fierce confrontation with two other eagles prior to falling ill. She had been under medical care for three weeks at the Ojai Raptor Center, where she battled a range of health issues, including anemia.

Despite receiving a blood transfusion and oxygen therapy, her condition did not improve, and her death was announced on Monday. The center expressed profound sadness, stating, "We know this news will be deeply felt by the many thousands of people around the world who have followed her journey, hoped alongside us, prayed for her, and supported the people caring for her. Our team is heartbroken. It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her."

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is currently responsible for the remains of Jackie, the globally beloved bald eagle.