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

Jackie, the California bald eagle who gained internet fame and symbolized the recovery of the species in the state, passed away on Monday after suffering from an illness. Her caretakers revealed the news, explaining that she had been treated at a veterinary facility for various ailments, including anemia. Despite receiving a blood transfusion and oxygen therapy, her condition continued to deteriorate, resulting in her death.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a nest camera in 2015 to monitor Jackie and her partner Shadow's activities near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. In 2024, Jackie exhibited unusual behavior by sitting on her eggs for more than two and a half days due to a snowstorm. She was discovered to be ill by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation's San Dimas Raptor Rescue team on July 17.

She received medical care for three weeks at the Ojai Raptor Center, but her health continued to decline despite the interventions. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for handling her remains. Kelly Sorenson, executive director of the Ventana Wildlife Society, expressed his sorrow, noting that Jackie's story is a testament to the species' resurgence following the banning of DDT and other protective measures decades ago.